FG Begins Validation of First National Soil Policy to Boost Food Production

The Federal Government has commenced validation of its first National Agricultural Land and Soil Management Policy, aimed at upscaling food production, reducing production costs, boosting crop yields and building climate resilience across the country.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, declared open a three day National Consultation Stakeholders Workshop in Abuja, saying the exercise came at a critical time given rising farm input costs and deepening climate disruptions in the agricultural sector.

The minister said the workshop would focus on validating practical policy actions for farmers, aligning federal, state and local government roles in land and soil governance, and connecting soil health to climate adaptation under the Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi Arid Landscapes project.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, said healthy soils remain the bedrock of sustainable agriculture, supporting crop productivity, regulating water, storing carbon and sustaining millions of farming families nationwide.

The Federal Government highlighted achievements including the rollout of the Nigeria Soil Information System, integration with the ECOWAS Regional Fertiliser Hub, and deployment of modern soil laboratory equipment to 15 states as part of ongoing efforts.

Officials called on state governments to integrate soil health into their agricultural development plans, while urging the private sector to invest in soil testing and digital advisory services to support farmers nationwide.