On April 9, 2026, the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) Nigeria Country Office hosted its Annual Stakeholders’ Workshop in Abuja. Held at the Rockview Royale Hotel, the event marked the official launch of SAA’s 40th anniversary celebrations in Nigeria under the theme, “SAA @ 40: Deepening Impact and Expanding Reach at Scale.” The workshop brought together senior government officials, development partners, diplomats, and private sector leaders, reflecting the importance of collective action in shaping the future of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

 Key figures in attendance included Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, representing the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Suzuki Hideo; SAA President, Mr. Shuichi Suzuki; and the Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Mr. Ishigame Keiji. Representatives from key agricultural states further demonstrated strong subnational engagement.

Setting the stage for the day, SAA Nigeria Country Director Dr. Godwin Atser emphasized the need to strengthen linkages between policy, partnerships, and field level implementation. Reflecting on SAA’s 34 years of work in Nigeria, he Highlighted the urgency of addressing the country's agricultural challenges, including an estimated $10 billion annual food import bill. He stressed the importance of scaling extension and advisory services to ensure farmers have access to appropriate technologies.

Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi commended SAA’s four-decade legacy, describing it as “a testament to resilience, innovation, and impactful service.” He reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to leveraging agriculture as a driver of food security, economic diversification and job creation, citing initiatives such as the Renewed Hope for Food Security and Sovereignty Programme and current soil health reforms.

SAA President Mr. Shuichi Suzuki underscored the importance of focusing on results and service quality. “It is not just about how many people we reach, but how well we served them,” he noted, He encouraged stakeholders to strengthen data systems, deepen partnerships, and scale innovations sustainably to maximize impact.

Japan’s Ambassador H.E. Suzuki Hideo highlighted agriculture’s role in Nigeria’s economy, noting that it employs about 34% of the workforce and contributes significantly to GDP. “Modernization and improvement of agricultural productivity are the foundation of Nigeria’s sustainable economic development,” He emphasized the need for increased mechanization, reduced post-harvest losses, and stronger market linkages to drive productivity and growth.

Providing a systems perspective, JICA Chief Representative Mr. Ishigame Keiji underlined the importance of integrating seed systems, production, finance and markets. He advocated for market-oriented approaches and innovative financing models to improve access to credit and long-term investment for local farmers and agribusinesses.

The workshop also showcased SAA’s evolving strategic focus, including climate resilience, decarbonization, and digital extension services, while celebrating achievements under the 2021–2025 Strategic Plan. An exhibition of Japanese agricultural technologies provided participants with practical insights into solutions that support productivity and sustainability.

As part of the anniversary celebration, key partners were recognized for their contributions, including the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, for the state’s longstanding collaboration with SAA.

The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration, scaling innovation, and increasing investment to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector. As Dr. Atser noted, the anniversary represents not only a moment to reflect, but “also an opportunity to redefine ambition” and align future efforts for greater impact.

With strengthened partnerships and a renewed strategic focus, SAA remains committed to advancing inclusive agricultural development, boosting productivity, and building resilient food systems across Nigeria and the broader African continent.