Nigeria’s agricultural sector has recorded steady growth during the 2025 wet season, with increased production of staple crops and a notable decline in market prices, according to the newly released Agriculture Performance Survey (APS).
The report was presented in Abuja by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, and compiled by the National Agricultural Extension and Liaison Services (NAERLS) of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in collaboration with federal agencies and development partners.
Speaking at the event, Kyari said the 2025 APS findings reflect both progress and persistent challenges.
He noted that production levels of key staples, including rice, maize, sorghum, millet, cowpea, yam, and cassava, have increased compared to 2024, signalling improved supply conditions across the country.
This growth, he said, is the result of targeted government interventions in input support, mechanisation, and extension services.
The minister highlighted that food prices have dropped significantly across all six geopolitical zones, with maize, rice, and sorghum prices falling by over 50 per cent nationally.
He attributed this to better harvest outcomes and expanded cultivation, which have helped ease pressure on food availability and affordability.
Kyari pointed out the importance of the APS as a tool for evidence-based planning and policy formulation. He said the survey offers a realistic snapshot of production outcomes, farmer experiences, and sectoral constraints, which are essential for designing effective interventions.
However, he acknowledged that mechanisation coverage remains uneven and post-harvest losses—particularly in the South-West and North Central zones—continue to threaten food security and farmer incomes.
The minister pledged the ministry’s commitment to implementing the survey’s key recommendations and commended NAERLS and its partners for their collaborative effort in producing the 2025 edition.
He also praised the complementary studies on commodity prices, describing them as a new benchmark for transparency and excellence in agricultural reporting.
NAERLS Executive Director Yusuf Ahmad, in his presentation, said the sector’s growth was driven by expanded cultivated areas, improved farming practices, and the resilience of producers in major agricultural zones. He confirmed that the sharp drop in food prices was consistent nationwide, further validating the survey’s findings.
