The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Agriculture, Ayo Sotinrin, has called for stronger strategic partnerships and increased capital mobilisation to unlock Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential.

Sotinrin made the call in his opening address at the Nigeria–United Kingdom Agriculture and Investment Forum, held in London, where top government officials, state governors, development finance institutions, and industry leaders gathered to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

This was contained in a statement on Wednesday issued by Team Lead, Corporate Department, Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Ruth Didam.

According to the statement, the forum, themed “Bridging the Gap: Financing Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Nigeria,” brought together key stakeholders, including the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and representatives of the UK government, including former Member of Parliament Rt Honourable Mark Simmonds.

Sotinrin noted that Nigeria possesses over 80 million hectares of arable land and a population of more than 220 million people, describing the country as one of Africa’s most promising agricultural frontiers.

He, however, stressed that while the country has land, labour, and market potential, the critical gap remains access to capital.

According to him, the scale of transformation required in mechanisation, irrigation, post-harvest infrastructure, climate-resilient technologies, and digital agricultural services goes beyond the capacity of any single institution, necessitating strong, purpose-driven partnerships.

He highlighted growing global momentum towards climate financing, noting that outcomes from COP30 have reinforced commitments to mobilise over $1.3 trillion annually for developing economies.

He said Nigeria’s agricultural sector presents a viable channel for deploying such funds with significant returns across the value chain.

Addressing UK investors, Sotinrin described the Nigeria–UK relationship as longstanding and mutually beneficial, urging stakeholders to align London’s capital, expertise, and innovation with Nigeria’s agricultural opportunities.

“This is not charity. This is one of the most compelling investment frontiers in the world,” he said, emphasising the need for actionable outcomes, including signed agreements, increased capital flows, and strengthened food systems.

He expressed appreciation to co-conveners, including the African Business Roundtable, the National Agricultural Development Fund, and the National Agricultural Land Development Authority, as well as the Federal Government and delegates for their commitment to advancing Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.

The Nigerian delegation at the forum comprised senior government officials, policymakers, representatives of key agricultural and financial institutions, and captains of industry, reflecting a broad-based commitment to advancing the country’s agricultural transformation agenda through international collaboration.