Promoting Agritourism: Stakeholders urge Nigerians to embrace farming revolution

By Bianca Iboma-Emefu

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, delivered an inspiring keynote at the inaugural World Agriculture Festival 2025, emphasizing the transformative power of agriculture and agritourism in Nigeria’s quest for economic diversification and sustainable development.

In his speech, Abdullahi praised the organizers, Xtralarge Farms and Resources, for spearheading an innovative initiative that positions agriculture not only as a source of food but also as a cultural and tourism asset.

“This festival demonstrates how our scattered assets across Nigeria can be harnessed in an innovative fashion, promoting collaboration and cooperation among farmers, tourism practitioners, and policymakers,” he stated.

Accepting the ‘National Agritourism Patron of the Year’ award on behalf of Nigerian farmers—especially women and youth—Abdullahi highlighted the resilience and ingenuity shaping Nigeria’s agricultural future. He stressed that government’s renewed hope agenda, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, prioritizes agriculture as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, aiming to make it smarter, more inclusive and resilient.

Abdullahi elaborated on the immense potential of agritourism, which involves activities such as farm tours, festivals, farm stays, and educational programmes that connect visitors with Nigeria’s rich agricultural heritage. Drawing on global examples from Italy, the United States, and South Africa, he emphasized that agritourism can generate additional income for farmers, boost rural development, and promote local and international tourism.

He called for the creation of a national technical committee comprising federal ministries, agencies, and stakeholders to develop policies and strategies for scaling agritourism across Nigeria. “Transformation cannot happen in isolation; we need coordinated efforts to build a national agritourism network that ensures shared knowledge, equitable growth, and maximum impact,” he explained.

Abdullahi reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing leadership, policy support, and strategic investments to turn Nigeria’s vast land resources – currently underutilized – into vibrant hubs of agricultural innovation and tourism. He also acknowledged President Tinubu’s recent launch of agricultural equipment, emphasizing the importance of making agriculture appealing to Nigeria’s youth.

Abdullahi expressed optimism about Nigeria’s untapped land potential, noting that the country currently cultivates only a fraction of its three billion hectares of arable land. “There is tremendous room for growth, and with innovation, partnership, and strategic platforms, Nigeria’s agricultural future is bright,” he affirmed.

The festival’s success marks a significant step toward integrating agriculture and tourism in Nigeria’s development landscape, promising a prosperous future driven by resilience, innovation, and collaboration.

Meanwhile, First Lady of Ogun State, Dr. Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, said that the Tinubu administration has prioritized agriculture as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic resilience, fostering international partnerships with Qatar and Brazil to enhance infrastructure, introduce innovative technology, and boost productivity along the agricultural value chain. These collaborations demonstrate growing global confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to meet its own food needs and contribute to the world’s food supply.

Nigeria’s diverse ecological landscape, ranging from arid lands to fertile savannahs, positions the country to cultivate a wide variety of crops and support a thriving livestock industry. She said that Ogun State, under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, exemplifies this agricultural renaissance, with significant investments in irrigation, rural infrastructure, urbanization, and youth training programs over the past six years.

Public-private partnerships have played a critical role in this transformation, attracting agro-processing enterprises, export farms, and innovative agricultural technology firms. These collaborations aim to increase yields, improve livelihoods, and generate employment across the agricultural value chain.

Women farmers, who comprise over half of Nigeria’s smallholder farmers, are central to this discourse. Despite their vital contributions, women often face barriers in accessing finance, land, and technological support. Initiatives like the Renewed Hope Initiative Agricultural Support Scheme, launched by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, are vital in empowering women, promoting gender equality, and reducing poverty.

In Ogun State, efforts are underway to integrate women into commercial farming, connecting them with agro-processors and leveraging Nigeria’s proximity to Lagos—a major food consumption hub. Such initiatives help lower food costs and strengthen the supply chain.

Leaders such as Dr. and Dr. Mrs. Moji and Seyi Davis continue to champion agricultural innovation and leadership, inspiring the next generation of farmers and entrepreneurs.

As international confidence in Nigeria grows, fueled by private sector involvement and youth empowerment, stakeholders maintain that Nigeria stands on the cusp of leading Africa’s next agricultural revolution. “The World Agritourism Festival is set to be a testament to these promising developments, celebrating Nigeria’s rich agricultural assets and the bright future ahead,” they said.

Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ruth Bisola Olusanya, emphasized the importance of integrating agriculture with tourism. She highlights that agritourism – showcasing farming, heritage, and local culture – can revolutionize perceptions of agriculture beyond toil and trade.

“Agriculture is the heartbeat of human survival,” she said. “Through agritourism, we can tell our stories, preserve heritage, empower communities, and build sustainable economies.”

Stakeholders stressed that as Nigeria’s international reputation grows and private sector involvement deepens, the nation is poised to lead Africa’s next agricultural revolution. “By embracing agritourism, Nigeria is not only diversifying its economy but also fostering pride, education, and innovation within its rich agricultural heritage.

“This festival marks a pivotal step toward a future where agriculture and tourism work hand in hand—creating a resilient, inclusive, and vibrant Nigerian economy.”

On his part, CEO of Xtra Large Farms, Dr. Seyi Davis, said that the event celebrates sustainable agriculture and economic growth in Nigeria.

The festival showcased the power of sustainable agriculture, tourism, and community empowerment in Nigeria. Basically, these initiatives  aimed at  transforming local economies and fostering a sense of pride and purpose among farmers and entrepreneurs.

Dr. Davis emphasized that the festival exemplifies genuine sustainability in practice, demonstrating how innovative farming practices can contribute to economic development. “This event is a perfect example of how agriculture can grow communities and countries, not just crops.”

He also highlighted the importance of integrating agriculture with tourism, encouraging small farms to scale up and become influential in their regions. He stressed how modernizing farming methods has transformed products from their natural state to what it is now. He also emphasized the need to revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural sector and boost national income.

Dr. Davis added that empowering local farmers, offering financial support, and promoting agricultural culture are vital steps towards economic prosperity. “When farmers succeed, their communities thrive, and prosperity is passed from one generation to the next.”

As the event concluded, attendees left with a powerful message: to harness agriculture’s full potential, Nigeria must innovate, invest in farmers, and fuse it with tourism. Such efforts can elevate the nation’s economy, create jobs, and build a sustainable future for all.