Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged the government to provide affordable credit and ensure policy consistency to empower farmers to increase food production in the country.
His call comes amidst growing concerns over food inflation and nutrition security in Africa’s most populous nation.
Speaking at the 9th Agrofood & Plastprintpack conference in Lagos, Obasanjo emphasized the need for policy sustainability and single-digit interest loans to drive growth in the agricultural sector and achieve food security.
Obasanjo, who is also a farmer, stressed that farmers require stability in policies to effectively plan, and access to affordable finance is crucial for their survival, highlighting the burden of high-interest rates.
He noted that food and nutrition security begin with availability and affordability, asserting that agriculture and agribusiness are indispensable for ensuring food supply.
Furthermore, Obasanjo underscored the transformative potential of agriculture in improving the economy, citing its role in generating income, employment, and enhancing food security.
He emphasized the importance of making agriculture appealing to the youth population to address unemployment, insecurity, and migration challenges.
Wouter Plom, the ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, echoed Obasanjo’s sentiments, highlighting the shared challenges faced by both countries in feeding growing populations with limited resources.
He emphasized the Netherlands’ commitment to partnering with Nigeria to promote economic growth through agriculture, focusing on areas such as economic development, improved diets, and youth employment.
Plom emphasized the importance of efficient food production in addressing challenges related to economic growth, nutrition, and unemployment.
Similarly, Paul Maerz, managing director of Fairtrade Messe, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s agriculture sector, advocating for increased investment in agro-food & plastprint pack solutions, products, and technologies to unlock its full potential.
