African Development Bank Approves $200 Million for Nigerian Agricultural Expansion

The African Development Bank approved a $200 million loan in February 2026 for the second phase of Nigeria's National Agricultural Growth Scheme — Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), with implementation beginning March 2026. The programme targets a 20% increase in rice output and a fivefold expansion in wheat production, alongside expanded access to climate-resistant seed varieties, crop insurance and fertiliser blends tailored to Nigerian soil conditions. The AfDB noted that agriculture employs 38% of Nigeria's workforce and contributes 25.2% of GDP but suffers from low productivity. The initiative will run for four years and prioritises youth and women farmers, with digital and climate-smart agriculture components.