Distinguished Guests, Ladies, and Gentlemen, on behalf of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the entire statistical system in Nigeria, I am extremely honoured to extend a warm welcome to all of you on this momentous occasion – the official launch of the National Agricultural Sample Census (NASC) Listing results.

This event signifies a significant leap forward in our understanding of the structure of the agricultural sector in Nigeria. It was achieved through the collaborative efforts of the NBS, the World Bank under the Fiscal Governance and Institutions Project (FGIP), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the unwavering support of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

For over two and a half decades, the absence of comprehensive data on Nigeria's agricultural sector has been a significant barrier to progress. This gap has limited the ability of policymakers, investors, and stakeholders to make more informed decisions that are critical to the sector's growth, and overall food security in Nigeria. However, the conduct of the 2022 NASC exercise, the first of its kind in over 27 years, marks a turning point.

 

With over 65 percent of the population directly or indirectly dependent on the agriculture sector for their daily sustenance, the NASC results offer invaluable insights into the very foundation of our agricultural sector, providing a detailed picture of:

1. The size and structure of farm holdings: We will better understand the distribution of land ownership and operational structures across various farm types.
2. Land use patterns and crop production practices: This data will shed light on how land is currently being utilized, the types of crops being cultivated, and where they are being grown.

• Livestock population and fisheries activities: The census results will provide a comprehensive view of the livestock population and fisheries sector, aiding in the development of targeted interventions.

1. The use of agricultural inputs and technologies: Understanding the current adoption rates of various inputs and technologies will be crucial for informing future investments and promoting sustainable farming practices.

The launch of the NASC results is particularly timely given the current global and national focus on food security, as well as the government’s drive towards enhancing sustainable local production to cater for our youthful and growing population.

The data gleaned from this census is more critical than ever. Viewing it from a statistical standpoint, the results provide major inputs into the ongoing rebasing of National Accounts, or the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as we generally know it. It will further empower us to develop evidence-based solutions for pressing challenges. By understanding the current state of agriculture, we can design targeted policies and programs to address issues related to food security, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and enhance overall productivity.

It will also assist in attracting much-needed private sector investment into the agricultural landscape. The data will equip investors with the confidence and knowledge required to make informed decisions regarding agricultural ventures in Nigeria.

Furthermore, the results will serve as a vital benchmark for tracking progress toward achieving national and international agricultural development goals, including those outlined in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The success of this national agricultural census is a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration. I express my deepest gratitude to the World Bank for their invaluable support through the FGIP project. Furthermore, I sincerely thank the FAO for their technical expertise and guidance throughout the census process. My immense appreciation goes to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for their unwavering support and collaboration, recognizing their crucial role in mobilizing stakeholders and ensuring the smooth execution of the census.

 

Our gratitude would not be complete without acknowledging the solid support, leadership, and guidance we have enjoyed and continue to enjoy from our boss, the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, His Excellency, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, CON. His strong support to NBS and the entire statistical system is what has enabled us achieve this huge feat, and all the other developments taking place within the statistical system in Nigeria. We appreciate you sir.

Finally, I acknowledge the tireless efforts of the NBS team, field workers, and all those who participated in this critical national exercise from State Statistical Agencies and Agriculture Extension Services in the States. Your effort in completing this task from the planning stages, all through to the data analysis and reporting is laudable and commendable. Despite all the challenges, both on and off the field, you all overcame and excelled through it. Thank you very much.

The launch of the NASC results signifies not an end, but a dynamic beginning. This wealth of data presents a powerful opportunity to propel the Nigerian agricultural sector forward. I urge policymakers, stakeholders, and the private sector to actively utilize this information to make data-driven decisions and investments. Together, let us leverage the insights from the NASC to transform Nigeria's agricultural sector into a robust engine for economic growth, sustainable development, and unwavering food security for our nation.