The Annual National Agricultural Show, now in its 17th edition, will be held on its permanent showground in Karu, about 28 kilometres from Abuja along the Keffi Road in Nasarawa State, between November 24 and 28, 2025.
The event aims to bring together smallholder farmers, researchers, farm machinery manufacturers, federal and state government ministries and agencies, private institutions, food vendors, and the general public for five days of knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaboration.
- Networking and knowledge sharing
The show offers a vital platform for stakeholders — including producers, technology providers, and buyers — to share ideas, technologies, and regulatory updates. Farmers will also have the opportunity to engage in peer learning by discussing their experiences, challenges, and success stories.
- Innovation and technology display
It serves as a major venue for showcasing the latest agricultural innovations, products, and equipment, helping to drive modernization and efficiency in the sector.
- Marketing and economic opportunities
The National Agricultural Show will promote market linkages by connecting producers with buyers and creating a marketplace for agricultural products and services. This can significantly support both local and national economic growth.
- Public education
Beyond business, the show also plays an educational role by helping the non-farming public understand where their food comes from and appreciate the complexities of agricultural production.
- Social and community benefits
For many farmers, the event provides an opportunity to network, build relationships, and overcome the isolation often associated with rural agricultural life.
Gender inclusivity promotion
A hallmark of the show is its symposium on gender inclusivity, held at the main auditorium during every edition since inception. It underscores the importance of empowering women and ensuring equitable participation in Nigeria’s agricultural development.
Overall, the Agric Show fosters a sense of community and shared purpose across Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
Strengthening Nigeria’s agrifood system
Nigeria’s agrifood system currently faces serious challenges that call for strategic realignment under the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). This effort, advanced through the FAO’s Hand-in-Hand initiative in partnership with the German Cooperation (GIZ), the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), and private sector stakeholders such as the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), NACCIMA, and leading agripreneurs like DANSA, is crucial for sustainability.
Recently, at a private investment forum held at Fraser Suites in Abuja — organized by GIZ and the FMAFS to herald the take-off of the Kampala Declaration 2026–2035 — the Honourable Minister of Agriculture underscored the importance of private-sector participation. In line with this, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has introduced several policy windows to boost agricultural productivity. While these measures have recorded mixed results, they reflect a genuine commitment to reviving Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The 180-day zero-tariff import window has temporarily reduced food prices, bringing relief to consumers but hardship to farmers. To achieve long-term sustainability, government must also focus on reducing the cost of key inputs such as fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides.
In addition, improving Nigerians’ purchasing power and strengthening the naira remain critical to sustaining agribusiness profitability — a sine qua non for a prosperous agricultural economy and increased non-oil export earnings.
A call for presidential support
To further consolidate Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem, I humbly invite Mr. President to personally attend this year’s Annual National Agricultural Show. His presence will serve as a great source of encouragement to smallholder farmers (SHFs), small-scale producers (SSPs), and all other stakeholders in the agriculture space.
It would be a historic moment — much like when former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, graced a previous edition. We look forward to welcoming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as he demonstrates his commitment to the “Agricultural Renewed Hope Agenda” on November 25, 2025 — the official opening day of the 17th Annual National Agricultural Show.
Arc. Kabir Ibrahim is Chairman, Board of Trustees, National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria (NAFN).
