Food security has been identified as a critical pillar for Nigeria’s economic stability and long-term growth, with experts calling for urgent and strategic government intervention to revitalise the agricultural sector.
Speaking with our correspondent at the just-concluded convocation ceremony of the University of Abuja, an Agricultural Economist and policy analyst, Dr. (Mrs.) Olubunmi Akanbi, stressed that agriculture remains a powerful driver of the nation’s economy.
Dr. Akanbi, who was among the PhD graduands, noted that recent empirical evidence showed a strong link between increased agricultural output and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, underscoring the sector’s importance to national development.
She, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges affecting agricultural productivity, particularly insecurity in farming communities, which she said has significantly disrupted food production. She also pointed to inflation and exchange rate volatility as major factors driving up the cost of farm inputs and limiting farmers’ capacity to scale operations.
The agricultural expert called for urgent and targeted interventions to address these issues, warning that failure to act could further threaten food availability and affordability across the country.
According to her, government policies must move beyond general spending to focus on strategic investments in mechanisation, irrigation, and improved seed systems measures she described as essential for boosting yields and ensuring a stable food supply.
Dr. Akanbi further emphasised the need to strengthen security in rural areas to protect farmers and restore confidence in agricultural activities.
Highlighting gaps in the agricultural value chain, she noted that increased food production alone is insufficient without corresponding investments in storage, processing, and transportation infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and stabilise market prices.
She also advocated for a more coordinated and data-driven approach to agricultural policy formulation, stressing that improved planning and timely responses are key to addressing emerging challenges in the sector.
“Food security is economic security,” she stated, warning that nations unable to feed themselves face heightened risks of inflation, unemployment, and social instability.
Dr. Akanbi concluded that with the right mix of policies and investments, Nigeria can strengthen its food systems while building a more resilient and prosperous economy.
