Yakubu Dogara, the former Speaker of Nigeria’s 8th National Assembly, has renewed his call for stronger collaboration between government and private sector actors to tackle food insufficiency, create jobs, and foster inclusive economic development. Speaking during a visit with Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to the expansive Manchong Integrated Farm on the Abuja-Keffi Road, Dogara underscored the transformational potential of agriculture when backed by both public support and private investment.
At the heart of Dogara’s message was the belief that Nigeria’s agricultural sector, long seen as the backbone of its economy, requires a cooperative approach to fully unlock its potential. While agriculture already employs millions of Nigerians, its productivity remains uneven due to challenges like financing gaps, limited access to modern technology, and fragmented value chains. Dogara suggested that bridging these gaps will depend on a shared commitment from government bodies and private enterprises to invest in modern farming, processing infrastructure, and market linkages.
During the visit, Dogara warmly thanked Governor Mutfwang for his proactive leadership in prioritising agriculture as a key strategy for socio-economic development. He noted that the governor’s focus on farming not only supports food production, but also stimulates youth engagement and helps reduce unemployment in Plateau State.
The governor, for his part, described the Manchong Integrated Farm as a “model enterprise” that showcases how integrated agricultural practices can strengthen the local food value chain. He highlighted the farm’s capacity to boost productivity, encourage youth participation in agribusiness, and contribute to sustainable economic growth. According to the governor, the visit was part of ongoing efforts by his administration to evaluate and scale private sector–led agricultural initiatives that have meaningful impact.
This perspective aligns with broader national and global discussions on agricultural transformation. For example, policymakers and stakeholders in Nigeria and across the Sahel have increasingly stressed the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to mobilise investment, drive innovation, and strengthen food systems. According to Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, strategic PPPs are essential to accelerate innovation, increase production, and attract sustainable financing to agrifood systems, efforts that are key to transforming the agricultural ecosystem and enhancing food security region-wide.
Public-private collaboration is also gaining traction at the subnational level. Lagos State, for instance, has launched initiatives to strengthen market linkages, support youth-led agribusinesses, and enhance value chains through PPP frameworks that encourage private sector investment in rice, livestock, and other food sectors. These efforts reflect a growing belief that cohesion between government programmes and commercial capabilities can help stabilise food supply, reduce import dependence, and expand economic opportunities for smallholders.
However, the effectiveness of public-private partnerships is not without challenges. Research shows that factors such as inconsistent policy implementation, mistrust among stakeholders, and limited enforcement can hinder PPP outcomes unless carefully managed. Nevertheless, when properly structured, PPPs have proven to be powerful mechanisms to bridge financing gaps, share risk, and introduce innovative agricultural solutions that benefit farmers and consumers alike.
In his remarks, Dogara also acknowledged the need to empower young Nigerians with practical agricultural skills. By opening avenues for skills acquisition and active participation in agribusiness, partnerships can cultivate a new generation of entrepreneurs who not only secure food supplies but also contribute to economic diversification away from traditional dependence on oil revenues.
Looking forward, leaders like Dogara and Governor Mutfwang are advocating for sustained commitment to integrated agricultural development, a vision that holds promise not just for food security, but also for broader economic stability and growth. Their messages echo broader policy debates across Nigeria about how best to reform the agricultural sector and attract investment that delivers tangible benefits for farmers, businesses, and consumers.
