The Federal Government says agrotourism will unlock the full potential of rural economies by blending agriculture with tourism to create jobs, ensure food security, and attract investment.
Speaking during the International Agrotourism Investment Stakeholders’ Forum held in Abuja, on Thursday 20th August 2026, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari stated that the initiative reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to translate policy into tangible benefits for farmers, entrepreneurs and communities.
The Minister represented by the Director, Agribusiness and Market Development, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ayodele Olawumi, stated that ‘’the forum with the theme From Policy to Implementation: Advancing Agrotourism for Food Security, Job Creation, Global Investment for Economic Diversification and Sustained Growth, underscores the administration’s resolve to move beyond speeches into concrete action’’.
Sen. Abubakar Kyari stated further that by integrating farming with tourism, agrotourism will diversify rural incomes, reduce dependence on oil, and showcase Nigeria’s cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and innovative farming practices to the world.
He highlighted the International Agrotourism Village as a living testimony of this transition. The Village, he said, is designed as a model hub where agribusiness, hospitality and cultural tourism converge.
It features modern farm estates for climate-smart agriculture and processing facilities for value addition to strengthen food security and reduce import dependence. Training institutes within the Village will equip youth and women with entrepreneurial skills, while eco-lodges and cultural centers will create thousands of jobs across farming, hospitality, logistics, and the creative industry.
The Minister further revealed that the infrastructure is also positioned to attract domestic and foreign investment, boost foreign exchange earnings, and provide rural households with skills, market access, and infrastructure to lift families out of poverty
Kyari added that the Village is positioned to serve as the foundation for establishing the World Agrotourism Organization, with Nigeria at its helm. This, he noted, will set global standards and position Nigeria as a leader in sustainable agritourism.
The Ministry, he assured, is strengthening policy frameworks, deploying incentives such as tax breaks and access to land, and encouraging public-private partnerships to make Nigeria the most attractive destination for agritourism investment in Africa and beyond.
“The Village is ready. The communities are ready. Nigeria is ready. The time to invest is now,” Kyari concluded.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Public – Private Partnership Cooperation, World Agritourism Organization (WAO), Prof. Edwin Ozuzu stated that the purpose of the initiative is not merely to deliberate, but to mobilize investment, strengthen partnerships, and commence coordinated execution of projects that would deliver measurable socio-economic benefits to Nigerians.
Prof. Ozuzu revealed that ‘’one of the flagship initiatives before us is the Nigerian Flagship Agritourism Village project to be developed across the States of the Federation. This visionary project will integrate modern agriculture, tourism infrastructure, agro processing industries, research and innovation centers, investment parks, training institutions, hospitality facilities, cultural heritage centers and rural enterprise development‘’.
During his welcome address, President, World Agritourism Organization, Global Lead Advocate, Amb. Arc. Trust Henry Ogboi stated that ‘’ we are witnessing the unveiling of the flagship Nigerian International Agritourism Village Project at Karshi South, FCT, Abuja, on 40 hectares designed to accommodate Federal and State Government Liaison Centre, private sector investment ,farm estates and other integrated agritourism value chain developments’’.
Amb Ogboi added that the programme complements other important proposed projects, including the World Agritourism Centre in Obi Local Government Area of Benue State , and other agritourism developments across the country’’
The highlight of the event was the Unveiling of Nigerian International Agritourism Village Project at Karshi South, FCT, Abuja.
Ezeaja Ikemefuna
Head, Department of Information
20/8/2026
