by Aliyu Bello | Sep 20, 2025 | Agribusiness, NABG, News, Policy, Presidential
Introduction
The Nigerian Agribusiness Group (NABG) welcomes the Federal Government’s recent suspension of raw shea nut exports as a timely step to reposition Nigeria within the global shea value chain.
Nigeria supplies nearly 40% of the world’s raw shea nuts yet contributes less than 1% of the $6.5 billion global shea market. This paradox is both an economic and a social opportunity gap. The export suspension provides an avenue to pivot decisively toward value addition, inclusive processing, and job creation, rather than perpetuating the role of raw material supplier.
Why the Policy Matters
- Unlocking Economic Potential
Nigeria’s underperformance in the global shea market is not due to resource scarcity, but to systemic overreliance on raw exports. By processing shea locally into butter, oils, cosmetics, and derivatives, Nigeria can realistically generate $300 million in the short term and up to $3 billion annually by 2027. This aligns with broader economic diversification goals under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
- Regional Competitiveness
West African peers such as Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Ivory Coast have long implemented restrictions on raw shea exports. Their processing industries are thriving, creating thousands of jobs for rural women and significantly increasing foreign exchange inflows. Nigeria’s decision is, therefore, not an outlier, but an overdue alignment with proven strategies in the region.
- Social Inclusion and Women’s Empowerment
Shea remains a women-driven value chain, with an estimated 90% of rural shea collectors and processors being women. Prioritising local processing ensures these women are not just raw suppliers, but stakeholders in a profitable ecosystem, benefiting from improved incomes, access to markets, and capacity development.
Implementation Challenges
While the intent of the policy is commendable, successful implementation demands urgent attention to three key areas:
- Processing Capacity
Nigeria’s current refining and processing infrastructure for shea is limited. Without rapid investment in equipment, technology, and energy, processors will be unable to absorb the raw material glut created by the suspension.
- Contractual & Trade Commitments
Exporters who entered legitimate trade contracts before the suspension risk financial loss. Mechanisms must be created to protect them and avoid reputational damage to Nigeria in international markets.
- Infrastructure & Policy Support
Logistics, power supply, and financing continue to be bottlenecks. Without deliberate public-private collaboration to address these, processors may struggle, and the policy could risk underdelivering.
The Role of NABG
As the umbrella agribusiness platform, NABG is ready to work with government and international partners to ensure this policy delivers on its promise. Specifically:
- Facilitating Public-Private Partnerships to rapidly expand shea processing capacity.
- Supporting Smallholder Collectors, especially women, with training, financing, and access to cooperatives.
- Advocating for Transitional Relief Measures to protect exporters with existing contracts.
- Driving Market Linkages between Nigerian processors and global buyers in food, beauty, and pharmaceutical industries.
The six-month suspension of raw shea exports signals a necessary shift from raw extraction to industrial transformation, from exporting jobs abroad to creating them at home. NABG believes this moment must not be wasted. With pragmatic implementation, broad stakeholder engagement, and sustained investment, Nigeria can reposition itself as a global shea powerhouse, delivering prosperity for rural women, competitiveness for processors, and much-needed foreign exchange for the nation.
by Amrah Aliyu | Jun 16, 2025 | NABG, Agribusiness
Nigeria’s agricultural sector is evolving—and at its core is a simple but critical truth: policies must serve the people they are designed to support. At the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), we understand that sustainable change happens when policy is built on reality, not assumptions.
Over the past two days, NABG proudly participated in the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism (NAPM) workshop, convened by the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU). This important gathering brought together stakeholders from across the agriculture value chain to engage in open, often tough conversations about Nigeria’s food systems and the future of agribusiness.
Asking the Hard Questions
Unlike many high-level meetings that remain confined to spreadsheets and theoretical forecasts, the NAPM workshop confronted the real challenges facing Nigeria’s agriculture sector head-on.
Together, we asked critical questions:
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How do we build a food system that reflects the daily realities of Nigerian farmers?
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What kind of data is needed to inform smarter, more inclusive policies?
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How can we ensure policies are not only designed for the people but co-created with them?
These questions are at the heart of NABG’s mission—to bridge the gap between policy and practice, and between government and grassroots realities.
Toward a Unified National Framework
At the center of these discussions lies a shared goal:
✅ To create a unified National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism in Nigeria that enables:
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Thriving agribusiness enterprises
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Efficient public investment
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Stronger market linkages
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Sustainable rural development
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Inclusive participation across gender, youth, and smallholder farmers
The mechanism seeks to harmonize existing policies, close operational gaps, and establish clear governance structures that foster accountability, transparency, and coordination.
The Power of Data-Driven Agriculture
One recurring theme throughout the workshop was the critical role of data in driving agricultural transformation.
Reliable, real-time data empowers policymakers to:
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Make evidence-based decisions
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Monitor program impact effectively
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Allocate resources efficiently
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Anticipate emerging risks and respond proactively
As NABG continues to advocate, data-driven agriculture is not just a buzzword—it is a necessary foundation for building resilience across Nigeria’s food systems.
People-Centered Policy: A Non-Negotiable
For policies to succeed, they must be people-centered. This means:
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Listening to farmers’ voices
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Recognizing the informal actors that power local food systems
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Designing interventions that address context-specific realities
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Including women, youth, and marginalized groups in both consultation and execution
At NABG, we believe that inclusive policymaking ensures that reforms deliver true economic impact where it matters most: in the lives of rural communities and the entrepreneurs who sustain Nigeria’s agribusiness ecosystem.
NABG’s Ongoing Commitment
As always, NABG remains committed to being:
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A trusted bridge between policymakers and private sector actors
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A voice for the thousands of agripreneurs who form the backbone of Nigeria’s food systems
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A catalyst for data-informed, people-centered agricultural transformation in Nigeria
We commend the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit for convening this critical conversation and reaffirm our dedication to collaborating with all partners in building a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future for Nigerian agriculture.
From policy discussions to field implementation, NABG continues to advocate for agricultural policies that work with farmers, not just for farmers.
#NAPM #NABG #FoodSystemsReform #DataDrivenAgriculture #RuralDevelopment #AgribusinessNigeria #InclusivePolicy #AgribusinessTransformation
by Amrah Aliyu | Jun 16, 2025 | NABG, Agribusiness
In Nigeria’s growing agriculture sector, horticulture value chain finance has long been an untapped frontier—riddled with risks, structural gaps, and limited access to capital. But a new wave of collaboration is changing that narrative.
At the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), we believe that partnerships build ecosystems. That’s why we proudly stood alongside HortiNigeria — a Dutch-funded program led by IFDC (International Fertilizer Development Center) — at the recently concluded Capacity-Building Training for Banks on the Horticulture Value Chain and Risk Management. This was more than just another workshop; it was a collective leap toward sustainable agribusiness financing in Nigeria.
The Challenge: Unlocking Finance for Nigeria’s Horticulture Value Chain
For too long, horticulture farmers and agripreneurs in Nigeria have faced an uphill battle when it comes to financing their businesses.
The reasons are complex:
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Perishability of produce: Fruits and vegetables often spoil quickly, increasing financial risks.
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Seasonal uncertainties: Weather and market fluctuations disrupt production and income cycles.
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Lack of tailored financial products: Traditional bank loans are not designed for the unique needs of horticulture businesses.
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Perceived high risk by lenders: Financial institutions often lack the technical knowledge to accurately assess risks in the horticulture value chain.
The result? Limited capital, stifled growth, and untapped potential in one of the most lucrative sectors of Nigeria’s agriculture economy.
The Turning Point: Capacity-Building Training That Moves Policy to Practice
The capacity-building training provided a rare opportunity to bring banks, microfinance institutions, development finance organizations, and value chain actors into one room — to learn, to question, and to co-create solutions.
From interactive sessions to technical presentations, participants explored:
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The full length of the horticulture value chain — from farm to market
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Innovative risk management tools tailored to horticulture
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Case studies on successful agribusiness finance models
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Pathways to de-risk lending for agribusiness
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DG NABG , JAFAR UMAR during his goodwillmessage
How to design inclusive agrifinance products that serve both large-scale farmers and smallholder producers
As our Director General, Jafar Abubakar Umar, rightly noted during his goodwill message:
“The private sector must take center stage in unlocking inclusive finance for agriculture. When financial institutions truly understand farmers, everyone wins.”
The training not only equipped financial professionals with knowledge but ignited a new mindset—a shift from seeing farmers as high-risk borrowers to recognizing them as investable entrepreneurs.
From Gaps to Growth: The Power of Partnerships
This capacity-building initiative demonstrates what can happen when public-private partnerships are intentional, strategic, and forward-thinking.
By working with programs like HortiNigeria, NABG continues to:
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Advocate for policies that enable agribusiness lending.
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Facilitate dialogue between financial institutions and value chain actors.
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Build the technical capacity of banks to understand horticulture value chain finance.
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Foster an environment where agribusiness can thrive beyond subsistence, toward true economic growth.
Redesigning the Financial Future of Agribusiness in Nigeria
The journey to transforming horticulture value chain finance in Nigeria is far from over—but real momentum is building.
With continued engagement from stakeholders, including:
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Banks
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Development partners
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Farmer organizations
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Agritech companies
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Government agencies
… we are redesigning Nigeria’s financial landscape for agribusiness.
✅ From policy to practice
✅ From gaps to growth
✅ From potential to productivity
This is the future we are building at NABG.
#NABG #HortiNigeria #AgribusinessFinance #HorticultureValueChain #FoodSystems #InclusiveFinance #NigeriaAgriculture #AgriLending #PolicyToPractice
DG NABG, Jafar Abubakar Umar in a handshake with the Minister of Agriculture and food security, Sen Abubakar Kyari during the event
by Amrah Aliyu | Apr 17, 2025 | Agribusiness, NABG, Partnership, Policy
As part of its ongoing high-level stakeholder advocacy engagements, the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG) visited the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) to strengthen collaboration on key agribusiness policy initiatives.
Led by NABG President Arc Kabir Ibrahim, the Board of the NABG was received by the Honourable Minister, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Honourable Minister of State, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Permanent Secretary, and key Directors of the ministry at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
NABG President Arc Kabir Ibrahim leads the Board on a courtesy visit to Senator Abubakar Kyari, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, and leadership of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Strengthening Public-Private Sector Synergy for Agribusiness Growth
During the visit, the NABG President expressed deep appreciation to Senator Kyari for representing the President of Nigeria at the NABG Presidential Roundtable (PRT). He provided an update on NABG’s ongoing engagements with both public and private sector stakeholders to enhance the enabling environment for agribusiness development—especially for smallholder farmers and women-led enterprises.
Arc Kabir Ibrahim further sought the Minister’s support in facilitating NABG’s planned engagement with the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as part of its drive for deeper national policy alignment on agribusiness transformation.
Strengthening partnerships: NABG seeks deeper collaboration with the Federal Government on inclusive agribusiness policies
Ministers Reaffirm Support and Call for Results-Driven Advocacy
In response, Senator Abubakar Kyari reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to NABG and emphasized the critical importance of quality assurance in agricultural production.
🗣️ “We’ve focused on quantity for too long. It’s time to move Nigeria forward with a renewed focus on quality,” the Minister stated, referencing the National Quality Policy as a key priority for the Ministry moving forward.
Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Honourable Minister of State, lauded NABG’s revitalized advocacy agenda and urged the Group to push for measurable implementation outcomes. He referenced two key government initiatives that require NABG’s support and follow-through:
- The ₦1.5 trillion recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture (BoA)
- The ₦500 billion intervention facility through the Bank of Industry (BoI) for agric-related MSMEs and enterprises
NABG presents commemorative items from the Presidential Roundtable to the Honourable Ministers in appreciation of their support and leadership.
A Shared Commitment to Food Security and Agribusiness Transformation
The NABG visit to FMAFS reinforces the Group’s core mission of mobilizing the private sector to drive inclusive, market-oriented agribusiness growth. With active policy engagement, industry collaboration, and strategic support from key government actors, NABG remains committed to building a more competitive, resilient, and food-secure Nigeria.
by Amrah Aliyu | Apr 13, 2025 | Agribusiness, NABG, Partnership, Policy, Presidential
As part of its ongoing high-level advocacy visits, the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG) paid a strategic visit to the Head Office of TGI Group in Lagos—an influential Executive Council member of NABG. This engagement is another step in strengthening private-sector collaboration to achieve inclusive agribusiness transformation in Nigeria.
NABG President Arc Kabir Ibrahim and Board Members with TGI Group MD Mr. Rahul Savara and Executive Team during the high-level advocacy visit
Reinforcing Partnerships with Agribusiness Leaders
The visit was led by NABG President, Arc Kabir Ibrahim, and provided an opportunity to update TGI leadership on key NABG initiatives. Highlights from the recent NABG Presidential Roundtable (PRT) were shared, alongside progress on policy advocacy and implementation efforts aimed at boosting agribusiness growth and food security in Nigeria.
As a token of appreciation, the NABG team presented commemorative items from the PRT to Mr. Rahul Savara, Group Managing Director of TGI Group and Chair of the NABG Board of Trustees.
Arc Kabir Ibrahim presents NABG Presidential Roundtable memorabilia to Mr. Rahul Savara, acknowledging TGI’s steadfast support.
TGI Group Reaffirms Commitment to Nigeria’s Agricultural Future
In a candid and constructive dialogue, Mr. Savara, joined by his executive team, reaffirmed TGI’s commitment to agricultural development, citing the Group’s deep investments across multiple agricultural value chains and consumer brands in Nigeria.
He also issued a critical challenge—a call for NABG to deliver tangible, policy-driven outcomes that reinforce confidence in its mission and inspire sustained private sector engagement.
NABG and TGI in discussion
📢 “We are committed, but we also need to see results,” Mr. Savara emphasized, highlighting the urgency for policy implementation that delivers real impact across the agribusiness landscape.
A United Vision for Agribusiness-led National Development
In response, NABG President Arc Kabir Ibrahim welcomed the challenge, expressing renewed commitment to pushing bold policy advocacy, implementation, and collaboration that drive measurable results.
Collaborative dialogue on agribusiness reform and private sector engagement.
“Our vision remains clear—a food-secure Nigeria powered by inclusive, private sector-led agribusiness transformation,” Arc Ibrahim affirmed.
Looking Ahead
This visit marks another milestone in NABG’s strategic engagement with key agribusiness stakeholders, ensuring that the momentum built at the NABG Presidential Roundtable translates into concrete policy wins, enhanced investments, and systemic reform across Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Stay connected with NABG as we continue to engage leaders, advocate reforms, and mobilize partnerships for a thriving, inclusive agribusiness ecosystem.
🔗 Learn more at: www.nabg.ng
📧 Contact us: contact@nabg.ng
📱 Follow us on social media: @nabg_ng
#NABG #TGIAgri #FoodSecurity #AgribusinessLeadership #PolicyReform #NigeriaAgriculture #NABGPRT #PrivateSectorPartnerships
by Amrah Aliyu | Apr 10, 2025 | Agribusiness, career, NABG
Join the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG) & Elevate Your Agribusiness!
Are you an agribusiness owner, cooperative leader, or part of an agricultural association looking to grow, access financing, and influence policies?
The Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG) is the perfect platform for you!
Why Become a Member of NABG?
NABG is the leading private sector platform dedicated to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector by driving investments, market linkages, and policy advocacy. When you join, you gain:
✅ Policy Advocacy: Be part of the conversations shaping Nigeria’s agricultural policies for a more business-friendly environment.
✅ Market Access & Linkages: Connect with key industry players, buyers, and stakeholders to expand your reach.
✅ Access to Finance & Investment Opportunities: Gain priority access to agribusiness funding, grants, and investment facilitation programs.
✅ Sustainability & Climate-Smart Agriculture: Stay ahead with innovations and strategies for climate resilience and sustainable agriculture.
Exclusive Membership Benefits
📌 Expand Your Network: Build connections with industry leaders, policymakers, and top agribusiness executives.
📌 Investment Opportunities: Get exclusive access to funding and business development programs that support agribusiness growth.
📌 High-Level Discussions & Events: Participate in industry-shaping conferences, roundtables, and policy dialogues that define the future of agribusiness in Nigeria.
Be Part of a Thriving Agribusiness Ecosystem
Nigeria’s agribusiness landscape is evolving rapidly, with new opportunities in technology, exports, and value chain development. By joining NABG, you position yourself at the heart of this transformation, ensuring you stay informed, connected, and ahead of the competition.
🚀 Ready to Take Your Agribusiness to the Next Level?
🔗 Apply for Membership Today: https://tinyurl.com/NABG-Membership
📍 Get in Touch:
📞 +234 703 123 4567
🌍 https://nabg.ng
📩 contact@nabg.ng
Join NABG today and become a key player in shaping the future of agribusiness in Nigeria! 🌾🇳🇬 #JoinNABG #Agribusiness #NigeriaAgriculture #FoodSecurity #SustainableFarming #InvestmentOpportunities #FarmToMarket #PolicyAdvocacy
