Shettima: Nigeria to Drive Food Reform Through Private Sector and Low-Interest Loans

Nigeria is shifting to a private sector-led food reform plan, aiming for continental agricultural leadership.

Vice President Shettima says bold partnerships and credit support will drive long-term food security.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that the Nigerian government is adopting a private sector-driven strategy to reform the country’s food systems and make Nigeria a leader in agricultural innovation across Africa.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a briefing by the Task Force on the 2nd UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4), Shettima said the government is also considering single-digit credit facilities to support agriculture similar to how South Korea funded its major industries during their early stages of growth.

He explained that Nigeria’s new strategy would empower private businesses while providing them with strong government backing to ensure food security.

Shettima further highlighted three goals for Nigeria’s delegation to the Ethiopia-Italy co-hosted summit: to establish Nigeria as a leading voice on food system reforms in Africa, to strengthen international partnerships that align with local needs, and to promote a private sector-led approach to food transformation across the continent.