Investors and stakeholders in the agricultural sector have commended the Plateau State Government under Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for its deliberate efforts to transform agriculture and boost food security.
The commendation came during the 2026 Horticultural Festival held in Jos, organised in collaboration with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and other development partners. The event took place at the Crispan Suites and Event Center and attracted both local and international investors.
Leading the delegation of foreign investors, the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Bengt van Loosdrecht, praised the state government’s commitment to agricultural development, particularly in horticulture and potato production.
He noted that Plateau’s climate and soil conditions provide a strong advantage for large-scale agricultural production, especially potatoes, and expressed optimism about ongoing collaborations between Dutch companies and local farmers. He also revealed that new seed varieties are being tested and scaled up to improve productivity.
Representing the governor, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Samson Ishaku Bugama, described the festival as a strategic step toward positioning Plateau as a leading hub for horticulture in Nigeria and beyond.
Bugama emphasized that the state government is prioritizing agricultural excellence, improved seed systems, and increased yields, alongside creating investment opportunities across the value chain, including mechanization, processing, storage, and export.
He disclosed that the state is also developing Special Agro-Processing Zones to enhance export potential and attract investors, adding that Plateau aims to tap into a multi-billion-dollar market in potatoes and vegetables over the next decade.
According to him, Plateau produces about 90 percent of Nigeria’s Irish potatoes and possesses significant potential for expansion due to its favorable climate, fertile volcanic soil, and year-round production capacity.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Chidozie Egesi, highlighted the importance of research and innovation in unlocking the full potential of the potato value chain.
He noted that while Nigeria remains a leading potato producer in West Africa, yields remain below global standards, stressing the need for improved seed systems, mechanization, and stronger partnerships between researchers, investors, and farmers.
The festival featured exhibitions of crop varieties, fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, alongside cultural performances showcasing the rich heritage of Plateau communities.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Yilkudi Nengak Elisha, appreciated partners and participants, assuring investors of sustained collaboration and improved outcomes.
The event reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to agricultural transformation, with stakeholders expressing confidence that Plateau is well-positioned to become a major hub for horticulture and agribusiness in Nigeria.
