By Felicia Imohimi

The National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria (NAFN) has called for active participation of the governments, private sector, farmers among others in the 2026 National Agricultural Show.

The 2026 edition of the Agricultural Show has as its theme: “Building a resilient Nigerian Agrifood system: Empowering Farmers, Mobilising Investment and Driving Innovation for Food Security and Shared Prosperity.”

The National Coordinator of NAFN, Aishatu Rufai said this on Thursday that the event would hold from Nov. 16 to Nov. 20

Rufai said the show would be held at National Agricultural Showground, Keffi-Abuja Expressway, Tudun Wada in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.

She described the annual show as a premier national platform for showcasing agricultural innovations, technologies, products, investment opportunities and practical solutions to challenges confronting Nigeria’s agricultural and food systems.

Rufai further said the show would provide a unique opportunity for all stakeholders to move beyond discussions to practical collaborations and measurable outcomes.

NAFN national coordinator emphasised that achieving sustainable food security required collective action, strong public-private partnerships, increased investment and adoption of innovative solutions.

“This year’s edition is particularly significant against the backdrop of growing concerns over food security, rising production costs, climate change, limited access to finance, inadequate mechanisation and the need to strengthen agricultural value chains.

“The event will provide opportunity for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, establish strategic partnerships, explore investment opportunities and promote policies that will transform the sector,” she said.

She, therefore, urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), local government areas, organised private sector, financial institutions, development partners to participate in the event.

She also called on agricultural research institutions, agribusiness investors, farmers’ associations, cooperatives, smallholder and commercial farmers and other stakeholders, to actively participate in the five-day event.

She said that government institutions would have the opportunity to showcase their agricultural programmes, attract partnerships and identify practical interventions for rural development and food security.

She said that private-sector organisations would benefit from networking, market access, business-to-business engagements and opportunities to invest across agricultural value chains.

“Farmers, particularly smallholder farmers, will gain exposure to improved technologies, modern farming practices, quality inputs, market linkages and opportunities to connect directly with service providers and potential buyers.

“Local governments will find the show valuable as a platform to identify scalable agricultural initiatives, promote local economic development, create employment opportunities and unlock the agricultural potential of their communities.

“We invite all relevant stakeholders, exhibitors, investors, policymakers, farmers and the general public to be part of the national agricultural gathering.

“Together, we can build a resilient agrifood system, empower our farmers, strengthen agricultural investment and secure a prosperous future for Nigeria,” she said.

Rufai said Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, would serve as the special guest of honour at the opening ceremony scheduled for 17. (NAN)

FUA/KUA
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Edited by Uche Anunne