Nigeria’s agricultural sector experienced steady growth during the 2025 wet season, with increased output across major staple crops and a general decline in food prices, according to the latest Agricultural Performance Survey (APS) by the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The survey, conducted in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) and 22 other agencies, reported higher yields in rice, maize, sorghum, millet, cowpea, yam, and cassava compared to 2024 levels.
“The 2025 APS confirms steady growth in Nigerian agriculture, driven by expanded cultivated areas, improved practices, and farmer resilience across major producing states,” said Yusuf Sani Ahmad, Executive Director of NAERLS.
The report showed that prices of key staples — particularly maize, rice, and sorghum — fell by more than 50 percent nationwide, reflecting improved food availability and market stability.
However, the sector continues to grapple with climate-related challenges, including flooding, erratic rainfall, and rising input costs.
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Fertiliser prices rose by nearly 20 percent, while floods in Niger, Jigawa, and parts of southern Nigeria destroyed crops and farm infrastructure.
Despite these setbacks, the report noted progress in mechanisation, with over 1,600 functional tractors recorded across the country. It also introduced new datasets from a Farm Family Census and Tractor Census to strengthen agricultural planning.
The livestock and fisheries sectors recorded mixed outcomes. Poultry and pig farmers were affected by Newcastle Disease and African Swine Fever, while fish production dropped in parts of the north due to insecurity and flooding.
Speaking at the report’s presentation, Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said the findings would guide government policy towards improved food and nutrition security.
“This report provides the evidence base we need to plan smarter, support our farmers better, and achieve national food sufficiency,” he said.
Kyari attributed the year’s improved performance to government efforts in mechanisation, input distribution, and farmer support initiatives, though he cautioned that high input costs, uneven mechanisation coverage, and post-harvest losses remain critical challenges.
He added that disease outbreaks in livestock and reduced fish output require urgent government intervention.
The report concluded with key recommendations — including institutionalising a Dry Season Agricultural Survey, scaling up climate-smart farming, ensuring affordable inputs, and strengthening veterinary and extension systems.
“Nigeria’s farmers have shown remarkable resilience,” Ahmad said. “Our task now is to build on these gains and make agriculture more adaptive, efficient, and data-driven.”
