President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged that his administration will position Nigeria as a global leader in agricultural exports by 2025. Speaking at the Road to South-South National Convergence for the Renewed Hope Agenda at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu, represented by Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh, emphasized the country’s shift from oil dependency to a diversified economy driven by agriculture.
The President outlined the “Earn from the Soil” initiative, a key program under his administration designed to transform subsistence farming into export-orientated businesses. Tinubu described this initiative as crucial for improving food security, boosting economic sustainability, and ensuring long-term prosperity. He expressed confidence that the initiative would revolutionize the agricultural sector, turning it into a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy.
The South-South region was highlighted as central to this transformation due to its rich resources and skilled workforce. Tinubu noted that with proper investment and resource management, the region could play a pivotal role in driving Nigeria’s agricultural revolution. He invited both local and international investors to capitalize on the opportunities available in the region, emphasizing that Nigeria is “open for business” and committed to creating an ecosystem of growth, innovation, and sustainability.
The President also recognized the vital role of youth and women in this agricultural transformation, calling them the “backbone” of the country’s future progress. He urged Nigerians to embrace self-reliance and actively contribute to the transformation of the agricultural landscape. Tinubu reiterated his promise to restore hope and confidence in Nigerians, signaling that the Renewed Hope Agenda is already making significant strides toward economic diversification.
Hon. Gift Johnbull, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), further emphasized the region’s untapped potential, urging strategic partnerships to unlock its vast economic opportunities. Highlighting the South-South’s contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, she called on stakeholders to recognize its agricultural and entrepreneurial potential. Johnbull also encouraged youth and women to actively engage in shaping the region’s future, positioning them as key change-makers in the national development process.
