President Bola Tinubu has revealed his administration’s ambition to make Nigeria a global leader in agricultural exports by 2025, a central focus of his Renewed Hope Agenda. He shared this vision on Tuesday at the Road to South-South National Convergence event held at the State House Conference Center in Abuja.
Represented by Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh, President Tinubu also unveiled the “Earn from the Soil” initiative, aimed at transforming subsistence farming into a dynamic, export-oriented sector. This announcement was made during the Road to South-South National Convergence event, where Tinubu emphasided the initiative’s role in enhancing agricultural productivity and boosting Nigeria’s economy.
“This initiative is a powerful declaration that we are committed to turning our non-oil resources into collective prosperity,” Tinubu said. “By 2025, Nigeria will be a leading agricultural export nation.”
The “Earn from the Soil” initiative aims to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector by creating export opportunities and enhancing national food security. This project focuses on empowering smallholder farmers and promoting sustainable farming practices, ultimately seeking to bolster the country’s agricultural productivity and economic resilience.
President Tinubu stated that the initiative aims to empower citizens as catalysts for economic growth by transforming local agricultural practices into significant contributors to the global economy.
He emphasised the South-South region’s untapped potential, rich in natural resources and talent, urging increased investment in non-oil sectors to enhance economic diversification and development.
“The South-South is open for business just as the whole of Nigeria is ready for business,” he stated. “We are creating an ecosystem of opportunity, innovation, and sustainable growth.”
Tinubu’s administration seeks strategic support from local and international partners to build a resilient economic ecosystem, moving away from reliance on traditional aid.
He also emphasized the crucial role of young people and women in driving the initiative’s success. “Your energy, creativity, and determination will drive Nigeria’s economic revolution,” he said .
Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to fulfilling its promise of restoring hope and confidence, with the Earn from the Soil initiative marking a significant step in achieving that vision.
On her part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), Gift Johnbull, emphasised the region’s untapped economic potential and the need for strategic partnerships to harness its resources for national growth. She highlighted the South-South’s vital role in Nigeria’s economy, especially in oil and gas, while also pointing out its underutilized opportunities in agriculture, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Johnbull’s remarks underline a commitment to fostering development through collaboration and investment in these key sectors.
“The South-South is at the heart of our nation’s development,” Johnbull said. “This region’s immense economic contributions and untapped potential position it as a critical driver of Nigeria’s transformation.”
Johnbull called on investors, policymakers, and stakeholders to see the South-South as a gateway to new opportunities, citing initiatives like the Pitching Den, launched at the event, as a platform to attract bold entrepreneurs and visionary investors.
“This is your moment to recognize the South-South as a hub of untapped potential,” she said. “Partner with us to unlock opportunities that will benefit not just this region or the nation, but the entire continent and beyond.”
The event also featured the unveiling of the Impact Report, highlighting milestones achieved under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The report showcased how targeted initiatives have empowered communities and driven progress in the South-South.
Johnbull urged youth and women to take an active role in transforming their communities, describing them as “key change-makers” in the region’s development journey.
“To the youth and women, your voice, innovation, and determination are crucial to shaping the future of the South-South and Nigeria at large,” she said.
“As we amplify the Renewed Hope Agenda, let us ensure every Nigerian feels the impact of our collective efforts,” Johnbull added .
