Abdulmalik Adetola
Food security remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, a country blessed with vast arable land and a climate suitable for growing diverse crops. Yet, millions of Nigerians still go to bed hungry, and the nation spends billions of dollars annually importing food that could be produced locally.
The problem isn’t a lack of potential but a failure to implement effective agricultural reforms that address the root causes of low productivity, poor infrastructure, and systemic inefficiencies. If Nigeria is to feed its growing population and build a resilient economy, meaningful agricultural reform must become a top priority.
One of the biggest hurdles Nigerian farmers face is access to modern farming techniques and quality inputs. Many smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of the country’s agriculture, still rely on outdated methods passed down through generations.
Their yields are often low, not because the land is infertile, but because they lack improved seeds, fertilizers, and pest control measures. Government programs like the Anchor Borrowers’ Initiative have tried to bridge this gap, but corruption, poor implementation, and bureaucratic bottlenecks mean that many farmers never receive the promised support. A more transparent and efficient system that directly connects farmers with the tools they need—without middlemen siphoning resources—would make an immediate difference.
Another critical issue is the lack of infrastructure, particularly in rural areas where most farming happens. Bad roads make it difficult for farmers to transport their produce to markets, leading to post-harvest losses that sometimes wipe out half of their crops. Storage facilities are scarce, and electricity for processing is unreliable, forcing farmers to sell at low prices during harvest season only to buy back the same produce at higher prices later.
Investing in rural infrastructure—better roads, storage silos, and agro-processing zones—would reduce waste, stabilize food prices, and encourage more people to take up farming as a viable business rather than just subsistence labor.
Land tenure systems also pose a major challenge. In many parts of Nigeria, land ownership is governed by complex traditional customs that make it difficult for farmers to secure formal titles. Without collateral, they can’t access loans to expand their farms or adopt new technologies.
A streamlined land reform policy that respects local traditions while providing clear ownership rights would unlock billions in private investment. If farmers know their land is truly theirs, they’ll be more willing to invest in long-term improvements rather than sticking to low-risk, low-reward practices.
The role of technology cannot be overstated. From mobile apps that provide weather forecasts and market prices to drones that monitor crop health, technology has the power to revolutionize Nigerian agriculture.
Young people, who often see farming as unattractive, could be drawn back to the sector if it’s modernized and made more profitable. Initiatives like training programs in smart farming, subsidies for farm machinery, and partnerships with tech companies could turn agriculture into a thriving industry rather than a last-resort occupation.
Finally, the government must create policies that encourage local production over import dependency. It makes no sense for Nigeria to import rice, tomatoes, or even palm oil when it has the capacity to produce these goods in abundance.
While short-term import bans might help, what’s really needed is a sustained commitment to boosting local capacity—through subsidies for key crops, tariffs that protect local farmers, and incentives for agribusinesses to scale up production.
Food security isn’t just about filling stomachs; it’s about national stability, economic growth, and self-reliance. Nigeria has all the resources to feed itself and even become a major food exporter. But this can only happen with serious, well-implemented agricultural reforms that prioritize the farmer, cut out corruption, and invest in the future.
The time for half-measures is over. If the country acts now, the next generation could inherit a Nigeria where no one goes hungry, and farming is a source of pride and prosperity.
