Farmer Aggregation Approach Solution to Nigeria’s Agricultural Productivity Challenges – PECC

Renowned economist and Chairman of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, Dr. Doyin Salami, has called for the adoption of farmer aggregation as a solution to Nigeria’s agricultural productivity challenges.

Speaking on Wednesday at the 12th Annual Public Lecture of the Foursquare Gospel Church, themed “Poverty Alleviation, Economic Development & Stability of the Nigerian Economy,” Salami described farmer aggregation as a more effective alternative to cooperatives, which he said smallholders often find difficult to manage.

The lecture formed part of activities to mark the church’s 70th anniversary and had in attendance Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; former Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Ben Akabueze; and founder of Kingsway International Christian Centre, Pastor Matthew 

Ashimolowo, among others.

Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics, Salami noted that agriculture’s contribution to the economy rose to 27.8% in Q1 2025, following a rebasing exercise that lifted the sector’s share from 24.6% in 2024. 

He stressed that agriculture remains the “largest single sector of the economy,” dominated by smallholder farmers who make up about 80% of the industry.

Despite Nigeria’s natural advantages, including “four farming seasons,” the economist said the country had failed to maximise its potential, leaving food insecurity as one of the nation’s biggest “pain points” alongside energy.

“Instead of creating farmer cooperatives, which farmers often cannot manage, we need farmer aggregation now,” Salami said. 

“Aggregators can bring farmers into their network, provide extension services, supply inputs, and secure financing. They can borrow from banks and on-lend to farmers, addressing the critical issues of capital and technical support.”

In his remarks, Governor Abiodun emphasised the role of collaboration in tackling poverty, describing it as a major obstacle to Nigeria’s stability. 

He highlighted Ogun State’s efforts in supporting farmers with seedlings, fertilisers, and pesticides to boost yields and reduce food inflation.

The governor also cited initiatives such as free medical services for vulnerable groups and the introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and electric cars to lower transport costs. “Our overall vision is to decrease food prices and empower citizens to rise above poverty. As President Tinubu has said: let the poor breathe,” he added.

Earlier, Reverend Sam Aboyeji, General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, stressed the importance of platforms for intellectual discourse and godly counsel to enrich governance and drive national transformation.

He said the theme of this year’s lecture was both “timely and urgent. 

He said that no nation can achieve true stability without tackling poverty and fostering broad-based economic growth.