How the Maputo Declaration Can Attract Northern Voters

Revisiting the Maputo Declaration could boost food security and unite northern voters. This Declaration is a development policy that African countries adopted to narrow the gap between Africa and the rest of the world. It was agreed in 2002 during the Obasanjo/Atiku government, as part of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). The goal was to achieve an average annual agricultural growth rate of at least six percent and to have public investment in agriculture reach at least ten percent of national budgets.

The ten percent target is ambitious, and Nigeria never hit that mark even during the Obasanjo/Atiku era. The average budget for the Ministry of Agriculture was only four percent, peaking at 6.4 percent. Since then, there have been significant efforts under Yar’adua and Jonathan, showing some growth in the sector. But from 2015 onwards, investments started to decline. Between 2015 and 2023, the agricultural sector’s share averaged just 1.45 percent.

From 2023 to 2026, the federal budget for the Ministry of Agriculture has remained low, even with rising concerns about food security. The ministry got about 1.1 percent of the total federal budget in 2023. This went up slightly to 1.3 percent in 2024. A notable rise happened in 2025 when agriculture’s share climbed to about four percent of the total budget. This was mainly due to many constituency and capital projects included in the ministry's budget. But for 2026, the proposed allocation dropped to about 2.5 percent, showing inconsistency and lack of long-term planning. The agricultural sector is still not getting the financial attention it needs, despite its importance for jobs, food security, and economic growth.

It is clear that Nigeria is facing food insecurity. Many factors contribute to this, but if investments had been made as planned under the Declaration, things might have been better. International firms like PwC are pushing for the government to take more action by adopting the Maputo Declaration.

Right now, we are in an election period, and important choices are ahead.

Tinubu seems focused on other strategies to win voters rather than tackling food security issues. As time goes on, it looks like northern voters are not included in his plans for the upcoming election. Obi’s earlier proposals need to be updated with solid research.

Currently, it appears that only Atiku can bring back the Maputo Declaration, and northern voters would likely be excited about such a move. But this is just a guess.