The Federal Government announced on Saturday that it has allocated 40,000 hectares of land for the 2025/2026 dry season wheat production, simultaneously registering 80,000 farmers for the program, with the projected output valued at approximately ₦160 billion.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, revealed these figures during the official flag-off ceremony of the 2025/2026 dry season wheat production programme, conducted under the National Agricultural Growth and Agro Pocket Project in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister detailed the allocation, stating that out of the 40,000 hectares earmarked nationally for wheat production this dry season, 3,000 hectares have been assigned to Borno State, corresponding to 6,000 registered wheat farmers.
Kyari provided a historical context of the initiative’s success, saying: “Under the 2023/2024 dry season wheat production programme, a total of 107,429 registered farmers were supported with critical subsidised inputs, resulting in an output valued at ₦474,628,000 billion. During the 2024/2025 dry season, 279,297 registered farmers received support, with an output valued at ₦893,750,004 billion. For the current 2025/2026 season, the programme is targeting 80,000 registered farmers with an expected output value of approximately ₦160 billion.”
Kyari emphasized that the NAGSAP programme will deploy Agricultural Extension Agents to provide continuous field-level advisory services, guiding farmers on modern agronomic practices.
He also stressed the importance of quality control, adding: “In addition, Fertiliser and Seed Quality Control Officers will be mobilised to ensure that all inputs delivered to farmers meet the required standards, thereby guaranteeing higher productivity and improved yields,” Kyari added.
According to the Minister, the wheat component of the NAGSAP programme covers sixteen states across the federation.
He listed the participating states: “These are Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Cross River, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara. The inclusion of Cross River last year expanded wheat production into the southern region for the first time and strengthened our national capacity to diversify production across ecological zones,” he said.
Kyari noted that the project is specifically designed to include women and young people, ensuring they can access training and agricultural opportunities.
He articulated the inclusive design of the programme: “NAGSAP is deliberately designed to leave no one behind. The programme ensures that farmers across communities—including women and young people, who play vital roles in our agricultural workforce—have equitable access to inputs, training, and opportunities. The success of any agricultural season depends on the quality of inputs that reach our farmers. Without certified seeds, accurate fertiliser blends, and timely access to crop protection products, no level of effort in the field can deliver the yields we require as a nation. This is why NAGSAP places strong emphasis on input quality, traceability, and transparent delivery systems, ensuring that every farmer receives the right inputs at the right time to achieve higher productivity and better returns,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, commended the Federal Government for its sustained support towards irrigation development.
Governor Zulum acknowledged the Federal Government’s vision, stating: “Mr President’s commitment to food security and national productivity provides the foundation upon which programmes like this are built,” he stated.
He highlighted Borno State’s potential, noting that with its vast arable and irrigable land—especially within the Lake Chad Basin—it remains one of Nigeria’s most promising agricultural frontiers.
The Governor shared his perspective on the ceremony’s significance: “Today is more than a ceremony; it is a celebration of hope, resilience, and our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no family in Borno State goes hungry and no farmer is left behind. Despite the challenges of displacement, insecurity, and climate shocks, Borno State remains steadfast in growing its own food and empowering its people,” he said.
Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting all-season farming by providing essential infrastructure, logistics, modern machinery, improved seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, and other inputs needed to boost productivity and support farmers across the state.
He emphasized the local impact: “Here in Borno State, wheat cultivation is not just a programme; it is a transformative initiative. Through targeted investments in irrigation, mechanisation, quality inputs, and extension services, we are equipping farmers to achieve higher yields, enhance productivity, and contribute meaningfully to national output.”
The Governor further highlighted the achievements of his administration’s agricultural drive: “Borno State has achieved remarkable milestones under our people-centred agricultural vision. Our input support programmes have reached tens of thousands of smallholder farmers, resettled households, women, and youth, providing improved seeds, agrochemicals, and agronomic guidance.”
