In a strategic move to combat hunger, tackle food inflation, and boost national food security, the Federal Government is making significant investments in the agricultural sector, according to Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele
Speaking during an empowerment initiative for farmers in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, Bamidele emphasized that the agricultural sector is central to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and remains the government’s critical tool for driving economic recovery and sustainable development.
Represented by All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Mr. Remi Oguntuase, Bamidele distributed a range of modern farm tools, including one large tractor, ten power tillers, and cartons of liquid fertilizers to farmers in Ekiti State to boost productivity and reduce the rising cost of food items.
“This intervention aligns with President Tinubu’s vision to reposition Nigeria’s agricultural sector as the engine for economic inclusion and national development,” Bamidele said.
“We are committed to reducing food prices by enhancing agricultural productivity, empowering rural farmers, and introducing mechanised farming systems,” he added.
The Senate Leader noted that the Tinubu administration’s agricultural reforms are part of broader economic recovery efforts aimed at improving livelihoods, reducing dependency on food imports, and addressing the food supply chain disruptions caused by insecurity and climate change.
With over 60% of Nigeria’s workforce depending on agriculture, Bamidele said it is imperative that government at all levels prioritizes mechanisation, subsidized inputs, and direct empowerment of farmers to reverse years of underperformance in the sector.
He lauded the commitment of the Ekiti State government, under Governor Biodun Oyebanji, for synergizing with the federal government to support local farmers and create an enabling environment for agribusiness to thrive.
> “We must stop doing things the old way. Modern farm implements will fast-track productivity, reduce labour costs, and make farming attractive to the youth,” Bamidele noted.
Nigeria has been grappling with escalating food prices in recent months, driven by insecurity, flooding, transportation bottlenecks, and high production costs. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the food inflation rate as of April 2025 stood at over 30%, putting essential commodities out of reach for many households.
Experts believe that the Federal Government’s sustained agricultural investments, including interventions like the Anchor Borrowers Programme, fertilizer subsidy schemes, and state-level mechanisation initiatives, are critical in easing these pressures and stabilising the market.
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, who also spoke at the event, urged beneficiaries to make optimal use of the equipment received and adopt improved farming practices to meet local demand.
“This is not just about distributing tools; it’s about changing the agricultural narrative. With the right mindset and resources, our farmers can feed the nation and create wealth,” Boluwade stated.
He also disclosed that the state government is working on establishing agro-processing centres, farmer cooperatives, and farm-to-market linkages to ensure value addition and reduced post-harvest losses.
The Senate Leader’s empowerment initiative is one of several grassroots programmes aimed at aligning national policy with local implementation. It underscores a growing consensus among federal and state leaders on the need to use agriculture as a driver of inclusive growth and poverty eradication.
The federal government has also unveiled plans to expand irrigation facilities, enhance climate resilience in farming, and boost access to finance for smallholder farmers across the country.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward self-sufficiency in food production, stakeholders agree that sustained investment, strategic planning, and farmer empowerment are key. With Senator Bamidele and other national leaders leading by example, the nation’s agricultural future appears poised for transformation.