The Agriculture & Natural Resources Department oversees the privatisation and commercialisation of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in Nigeria’s agriculture, solid minerals, and eco-tourism sectors. Its mandate is to enhance efficiency, attract private sector investment, and promote sustainable economic development.

The department comprises three specialised units:

Agriculture & Livestock Unit

Responsible for the partial commercialisation of Nigeria’s River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) to boost irrigation, agro-processing, and food security.

Mandate
Reform 12 RBDAs by attracting private sector investments into agriculture infrastructure.

Pilot Phase (4 RBDAs)

• Upper Niger RBDA
• Sokoto-Rima RBDA
• Niger-Delta RBDA
• Ogun-Oshun RBDA

Key Actions

• Completed due diligence on pilot RBDAs.
• Engaging stakeholders to co-create viable investment models.

Mines & Steel Unit

Leads reform of Nigeria’s mining, coal, and metals enterprises to support industrial growth and energy development.

Mandate:
Privatise key mining and metals enterprises through transparent asset sales and concessions.

Enterprises Under the Unit

• Nigerian Coal Corporation (NCC)
• Nigerian Mining Corporation (NMC)
• Nigerian Mining Holding Investment Co. Ltd
• Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON)

Recent Developments

• NCC: Concession process ongoing for 4 coal blocks in Enugu State.
• NMC: Five subsidiaries sold; majority of staff houses disposed.
• ALSCON: Repositioning for investment after years of operational challenges.

Tourism Development Unit

Focused on the eco-friendly commercialisation of Nigeria’s national parks to unlock the tourism sector’s potential.

Mandate
Attract private investment in eco-tourism while ensuring environmental conservation.

Pilot Phase

• Kainji Lake
• Gashaka Gumti (eco-lodge concession ongoing)
• Cross River
• Concession of 3-star hotel and activity center in the

Key Actions

• Engaged experts for park diagnostics.
• Launched Swiss Challenge process for Gashaka Gumti eco-lodge.