The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has announced bold initiatives to bridge a significant national yam supply gap estimated at over 50 million metric tonnes.
This move is part of broader efforts to enhance food security, increase farmer incomes, modernize agriculture, and position Nigeria to capture a larger share of the growing global yam market.
Nigeria remains the world's leading yam producer, accounting for approximately 67% of global output with an annual production of about 67.2 million metric tonnes. However, national demand is estimated at 120 million metric tonnes, leaving a substantial shortfall that underscores the urgent need for increased productivity and value chain improvements.
Speaking at the recent National Yam Advocacy Summit in Abuja, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted the cultural and economic importance of yam: “For millions of Nigerians, yam represents food, income, and livelihood. Despite our impressive production levels, the gap between supply and demand reveals untapped potential in the sector.”
To address this challenge, the Ministry has launched a comprehensive blueprint under the Ramp-Up of Staple Crop Production for Food Security initiative, developed by a high-level technical team in March 2025.
Key strategies include: Tripling average yam yields from the current 10 metric tonnes per hectare to 30 metric tonnes per hectare by 2027. Expanding cultivated land areas for yam production. Reducing post-harvest losses from 40% to 25% through improved storage, handling, and processing techniques.
These measures aim to significantly boost total output, close the domestic supply gap, enhance food security, and drive export growth.
The global yam market, valued at approximately $182.3 million in 2024, is projected to reach $253.4 million by 2032, presenting substantial opportunities for Nigeria to expand its international presence.
The Federal Government is collaborating with partners such as the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to scale up improved seed varieties, provide extension services, and promote sustainable farming practices. These efforts align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing local production to meet domestic needs and reduce reliance on imports for staple foods.
“This is not just about closing a production gap; it is about transforming the yam value chain into a modern, efficient, and export-driven sector that benefits smallholder farmers, processors, exporters, and the Nigerian economy as a whole,” Senator Abdullahi added.
The government calls on stakeholders including farmers, private sector investors, research institutions, and international partners to support this national priority. By producing what we consume and consuming what we produce, Nigeria can achieve greater self-sufficiency in yam and strengthen its position as a global agricultural leader.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is committed to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector to ensure food security, drive economic growth, and improve livelihoods through innovative policies, partnerships, and sustainable practices.