Nigeria AGROW program design phase ends
Analysis based on 9 articles · First reported Jul 21, 2026 · Last updated Jul 22, 2026
The AGROW program is expected to boost agricultural productivity, improve food security, and attract private investment, positively impacting Nigeria's economy. However, the $500 million funding is seen as insufficient to fully address long-standing gaps in the sector.
The Federal Government of Nigeria received the final report of the National Technical Working Group on the World Bank Group-supported $500 million Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains for Growth Programme (AGROW), marking the conclusion of the design phase and transition to implementation. Vice President Kashim Shettima accepted the report and dissolved the working group, transferring responsibility to the Nigeria — Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The program was developed through seven zonal consultations involving 32 states, with 71% of funds ($355 million) to be implemented through participating states. Shettima emphasized agriculture's role in GDP (23%) and employment (34%), and noted that $500 million is insufficient to address decades of deficits. World Bank Group Programme Leader Bertine Kamphuis reaffirmed support. Nigeria — Kaduna State Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe said Kaduna allocates over 13% of its budget to agriculture and will establish a coordination mechanism. Nigeria — Nasarawa State Governor Suleman Abdullahi expressed governors' commitment. Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele and Minister of Agriculture Abubakar Kyari also spoke. The next phase includes borrowing plan, financing agreement, and legal opinions.
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