The government of Nigeria is pushing to transform its agricultural sector by strengthening market systems that link smallholder farmers to profitable value chains and attract greater private investment.

This was revealed by Abubakar Kyari during a meeting in Abuja with a delegation from Heifer International led by its president, Surita Sandosham.

Kyari said improving market linkages would help move Nigerian agriculture beyond subsistence farming toward a competitive and sustainable agribusiness sector, while increasing farmer incomes.

According to the minister, stronger market systems can connect farmers to higher-value markets, encourage private sector investment in agricultural services, and reduce dependence on donor aid.

He also emphasized the role of digital technology in improving price transparency and market access. Digital platforms and market information systems, he noted, can help farmers negotiate better prices and reduce exploitation by middlemen.

Kyari highlighted several agribusiness startups — including Extension Africa, Pullus Africa, Nimsy Agro, Vet Konnect and Thrive Agric — as examples of enterprises strengthening agricultural value chains through technology-driven solutions.

The minister also pointed to a mechanisation initiative involving the Bank of Agriculture, where digital tracking technology is used to monitor tractor usage, maintenance and servicing schedules to ensure accountability and extend equipment lifespan.

Meanwhile, Sandosham said Heifer International is aligning its programmes with Nigeria’s agricultural priorities. The organisation aims to help two million Nigerian households achieve sustainable living incomes by 2030 through initiatives that include geo-referencing and data mapping to ensure that support such as subsidised inputs and extension services reaches farmers effectively.

She noted that the partnership reflects a shared goal of strengthening rural livelihoods and building resilient agricultural value chains across Nigeria.