The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched the National Soyabean Production and Expansion Policy and Strategy, marking a bold move to significantly boost the country’s soybean production, improve food security, and foster economic growth. With the policy themed “States’ Participation in National Soybean Expansion”, the initiative aims to generate ₦3.9 trillion in annual revenue and create one million jobs across 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

During the unveiling ceremony, government officials emphasized that the new strategy provides a comprehensive roadmap to upscale production, increase value addition, and tap into both domestic and international markets for soybeans. The goal, they revealed, is to cultivate one million hectares of farmland and deliver at least 460,000 metric tonnes of soybean grain into the market within just two years.

According to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, this initiative supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes agriculture as a key pillar of national prosperity, economic diversification, and employment generation.

Creating a Supportive Environment for Growth

Speaking at the launch, key government officials stressed that achieving such an ambitious goal would require more than mere planning. They called for the establishment of a strong, supportive ecosystem guided by effective governance and coordinated efforts between all stakeholders.

They pointed out that the federal government’s role would focus on creating the enabling environment needed to sustain long-term growth. This includes implementing supportive policies, enhancing collaboration with the private sector, encouraging investment, and deploying strategic interventions across the soybean value chain.

“Our mission is to build a thriving ecosystem where farmers, processors, and investors all succeed,” one official said. “This initiative is about more than boosting yields—it’s about building a foundation for a resilient and globally competitive agricultural economy.”

Benue State Pledges Full Commitment

In a show of regional support, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia declared full alignment with the federal initiative, describing the policy’s launch as a historic moment in Nigeria’s quest for agricultural transformation.

Governor Alia highlighted that the strategy reflects a forward-thinking approach that aims to transform rural communities, elevate smallholder farmers, and strengthen the nation’s economic backbone. He confirmed Benue State’s commitment to drive the policy forward and become a key contributor to the national target.

“This is more than a policy—it’s a nationwide call to reimagine the future of our rural economy,” Alia stated. “As governor of Benue, the food basket of the nation, I am proud to say that we are not just participating in this strategy—we are leading it.”

The governor unveiled Benue’s Soybean Seed Multiplication and Distribution Programme, which will benefit more than 200,000 farmers over the next three years. The programme aims to raise average soybean yields from 1.2 metric tonnes to up to 3 metric tonnes per hectare through research partnerships, investment in post-harvest infrastructure, and leveraging the private sector’s technical strength.

Doubling Benue’s Soybean Output

Governor Alia further revealed plans to more than double Benue’s current soybean output from 202,000 metric tonnes to at least 400,000 metric tonnes within three years. This move will significantly contribute to the national production effort and support the ₦3.9 trillion industry vision.

“Benue is committed to empowering thousands of households, uplifting communities, and creating a sustainable legacy through agriculture,” he said. “With strategic investments, fertile land, and a skilled farming population, we are ready to turn soybeans into a golden crop for our people and the nation.”

The governor called on other states and stakeholders to work together in moving from policy to implementation. He emphasized that this collective action would help transform Nigerian agriculture and bring about shared prosperity.

Minister Kyari: Policy Designed to Boost Local Production

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, reiterated that the strategy is built to strengthen local capacity in soybean production. He noted that the document reflects the government’s broader agenda of increasing food sufficiency, reducing import dependence, and positioning Nigeria as a global agricultural leader.

Senator Kyari stated that the initiative will not only boost productivity but also stimulate the economy through agro-processing, market expansion, and export earnings.

He added, “This policy lays out the framework for self-sufficiency in soybean production, and more importantly, for the economic empowerment of smallholder farmers across Nigeria. We want a situation where rural development goes hand-in-hand with national prosperity.”

Soybean as a Driver of Economic Transformation

Soybean plays a vital role in Nigeria’s agricultural economy, serving as a key raw material for food products, animal feed, and industrial applications. With growing global demand, experts have long advocated for expanded soybean cultivation to harness Nigeria’s agro-potential.

The newly launched strategy aligns with these calls and provides structured guidelines to increase production through improved seed quality, mechanization, access to finance, and coordinated state-level participation.

In addition, the policy encourages value-chain development, including soybean processing, packaging, and market access for farmers. This holistic approach seeks to reduce post-harvest losses, boost farmer incomes, and make Nigeria a net exporter of soybean products.

Conclusion: A National Call to Action

The National Soyabean Production and Expansion Policy represents a milestone in Nigeria’s agricultural journey. With its ambitious targets, clear implementation strategies, and strong state support, the initiative has the potential to revolutionize the soybean subsector and bring substantial economic benefits.

As Governor Alia aptly concluded, “Let us join hands and move from policy to action. Together, we can make soybeans Nigeria’s next agricultural success story.”

With determined leadership, robust implementation, and cross-sector collaboration, Nigeria appears poised to unlock the full potential of its agricultural sector—starting with soybeans.