By Abdullahi Lukman
Nigeria should shift its focus from food security to food sovereignty, considering its abundant resources, supportive policies, and available programs aimed at driving agricultural growth.
Mohammed Abu-Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), made this suggestion while delivering a lecture at the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta recently.
Abu-Ibrahim emphasized that the Nigerian government has put in place numerous initiatives to support the agricultural sector, saying that it is now time, therefore, for the country to prioritize food sovereignty achieving self reliance in food production over simply addressing food security concerns.
Food sovereignty, he explained, would not only secure food for the nation but also empower local farmers and boost economic growth through sustainable agricultural practices.
He urged Nigerians, especially young people, to take advantage of the government’s efforts to improve the agricultural sector.
According to Abu-Ibrahim, the government has been working tirelessly to enhance food security by promoting primary agricultural production as a short-term solution.
He added that the government’s investment in infrastructure, technology, and financing opportunities for farmers would play a crucial role in meeting the country’s growing food demand.
Abu-Ibrahim also acknowledged the significant challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural sector, including poor infrastructure, climate change, inadequate financing for farmers, and low access to modern farming technology.
He assured that the government is committed to overcoming these barriers by increasing funding for agriculture, improving agricultural extension services, and introducing policies aimed at increasing productivity.
The Executive Secretary called for a concerted effort by all sectors of society to improve Nigeria’s agricultural productivity, with a particular focus on empowering youth.
“The future of agriculture in Nigeria depends on the youth,” Abu-Ibrahim stated, noting that with the right training, innovation, and technological adoption, young Nigerians could transform the agricultural sector and help the country achieve long-term food sovereignty.
The lecture at the Federal University of Agriculture also featured other agricultural experts who echoed Abu-Ibrahim’s sentiments.
They urged a change in mindset, highlighting the need for Nigerian farmers to embrace innovation and modern farming techniques.
They also emphasized that the sector’s growth would require stronger collaboration between government agencies, private investors, and international partners.
One of the key points raised during the discussion was the need for more investment in agricultural research and development.
Experts argued that innovation in areas such as crop varieties, pest control, and sustainable farming practices could significantly improve yields and reduce post-harvest losses, which remain major challenges for Nigerian farmers.
The experts also highlighted the importance of utilizing modern technologies such as precision farming, drones, and digital platforms to support farmers and increase productivity.