The federal government says Nigeria currently produces about 1.35 million metric tonnes of soybeans annually, just half of the country’s domestic demand.

“Nigeria produces approximately 1.35 million metric tonnes of soybeans annually, yet national demand exceeds 2.7 million metric tonnes,” said the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari.

“This supply gap presents both a challenge and an opportunity to expand production, strengthen processing capacity, and create jobs.”

Mr Kyari spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the unveiling of the National Soybean Production and Expansion Policy and Strategy.

According to the minister, the new policy targets annual industry revenue of N3.9 trillion and the creation of one million farm and off-farm jobs across 22 states and the FCT.

He said the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places agriculture at the heart of economic transformation.

He described soybeans as a nutritional powerhouse, noting their 40 per cent high-quality protein content and essential amino acids, crucial in fighting malnutrition and improving diets.

Mr Kyari also emphasised Nigeria’s advantage in the global market, citing the country’s naturally non-GMO soybeans, which were in high demand across Europe and Asia.

“By boosting local production, we reduce dependence on imported feed, support our poultry and aquaculture industries, and build a resilient, self-sufficient food system,” he added.

The minister officially inaugurated the Nigerian Soybean Partnership, which he said would bring together federal and state governments, private sector players, and farmer cooperatives to drive implementation.

Also, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State described the policy as “historic” and transformative.

He said it would reposition Nigeria as a global agricultural powerhouse and stimulate rural development.

“This is more than a policy; it’s a national transformation that promises prosperity and hope.

“Benue, the food basket of the nation, stands at the centre of this vision,” Mr Alia said.

He announced that Benue’s Soybean Seed Multiplication and Distribution Programme would benefit more than 200,000 farmers in the next three years, increasing yields from 1.2 to three metric tonnes per hectare.

(NAN)