Nigeria has taken a significant step towards strengthening its agricultural sector after the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) signed a strategic partnership aimed at improving the country’s agricultural data systems.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in Abuja, establishes a framework for closer collaboration between the two institutions in collecting, validating, analysing and sharing agricultural data. The initiative is expected to support evidence-based policymaking, improve agricultural financing, attract investment and enhance programme implementation across the country’s agricultural value chain.

Reliable Data to Drive Agricultural Investment

Speaking during the signing ceremony, NADF Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Ibrahim described reliable data as one of the most important tools for achieving sustainable agricultural development.

He said the partnership would strengthen the Fund’s ability to design targeted interventions, allocate resources efficiently and ensure that investment decisions respond to the actual needs of farmers, agribusinesses and other stakeholders.

Although the National Agricultural Development Fund was established through an Act of Parliament in 2022, Ibrahim noted that the organisation continues to build strategic partnerships that enhance its capacity to fulfil its mandate.

According to him, the collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics comes at a time when NADF is expanding its activities in agricultural financing, research, donor coordination and support for sub-national agricultural development.

He emphasised that credible statistics would enable the organisation to monitor projects more effectively while measuring the impact of agricultural investments across the country.

Partnership to Improve Agricultural Statistics

Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics, Adeyemi Adeniran, said the agreement demonstrates the commitment of both institutions to building stronger statistical systems that support Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.

He explained that the partnership would create a unified framework for agricultural data exchange, validation and harmonisation, providing policymakers, investors and development partners with accurate and dependable information.

According to Adeniran, quality agricultural statistics remain essential for effective governance, strategic planning and long-term investment decisions.

He added that stronger data systems would improve programme monitoring, strengthen national food security initiatives and ensure that agricultural policies are based on verified evidence rather than assumptions.

The NBS also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strict data governance standards and protecting the confidentiality of information throughout the implementation of the agreement.

Supporting Smarter Agricultural Development

Representing NADF’s Partnership and Investor Relations Department, Nasir Ingawa described the Memorandum of Understanding as a major milestone that formalises cooperation between the two organisations.

He said the agreement would deepen institutional collaboration and ensure that agricultural projects and funding decisions are supported by reliable, accurate and fit-for-purpose data.

The partnership is expected to improve planning, resource allocation and performance measurement while providing government agencies, investors and development partners with better insights into Nigeria’s evolving agricultural sector.

Building a Stronger Foundation for Food Security

As Nigeria continues its efforts to modernise agriculture and strengthen food production, access to high-quality data is becoming increasingly important. Better information will help government institutions identify investment opportunities, monitor agricultural performance and develop policies that improve productivity and enhance national food security.

The collaboration between NADF and NBS marks an important step towards creating a more data-driven agricultural sector capable of supporting sustainable growth, attracting investment and delivering long-term benefits for farmers and agribusinesses across Nigeria.

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