Despite an abundance of land, resources and government policies, Nigeria has continued to face food insecurity. The trend of increasing food prices in the country demands immediate action and long-term sustainable solutions. As a result, the governments in the Southwest are ramping up their initiatives to tackle this pressing issue. In response, the six states, working with the Development Commission of Western Nigeria (DAWN), are in search of solutions that will not only offer some quick wins but remedies that will turn the region into an enduring food basket, DANIEL ESSIET reports
Since 2013, Nigeria has consistently ranked high on the Global Food Security Index (GFSI), with a strong emphasis on domestic food production. However, the country’s ranking has declined over the years, reaching 107th out of 113 countries in 2022 with a score of 42.0%. Despite efforts to improve food security through subsidies and local production initiatives, Nigeria continues to face structural challenges in its agriculture sector, leading to low productivity and quality of agricultural produce. This poses significant implications for the country’s food security.
Despite Nigeria’s attempts to strengthen food security with subsidies and initiatives to promote local production, persistent structural challenges have impeded progress. The agriculture sector is struggling with issues including uncertainty, low productivity and quality of agricultural products, inadequate automation and technology utilization, and a high reliance on foreign labour. Nigeria boasts a significant amount of arable land, totalling 70.8 million hectares dedicated to agriculture, with major crops including maize, cassava, guinea corn, yam beans, millet and rice. Despite this, it has lower average yield according to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).
With President Bola Tinubu’s goal of achieving food self-sufficiency, aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s agricultural productivity and reducing dependency on food imports, states have been tasked with identifying specific areas for food production and devising strategies for their development. As part of a large agricultural transformation agenda, Lagos is piloting a mega food logistics system with a high level of documented safety compliance. The Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, emphasised the critical importance of safety compliance in this pilot project.
For the Commissioner for Agriculture, domestic agriculture and food can be engines of economic growth, creating jobs for new entrants to the labour market. She believes there is significant potential to enhance the quality of the agri-food industry and make it more attractive. She highlighted the increasing demand for both fresh and frozen food. Central to the success of the food processing industry, according to Olusanya, are factors such as temperature regulation, hygiene, and the production of ready-to-eat foods. To address these, she said the state is establishing agro hubs to assist farmers and producers in meeting stringent sanitary standards that ensure food safety. Overall, Ms. Olusanya’s approach aims to enhance the quality and attractiveness of the agri-food sector in Lagos, making it a robust driver of economic development and employment opportunities.
In the heart of Southwest Nigeria, encompassing Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti states, the agricultural industry stands as a cornerstone of the national economy. The region’s fertile land, diverse ecosystems, and strategic economic position have made it a key player in the country’s agricultural landscape, contributing significantly to national food security. However, recent challenges have highlighted the need for a concerted effort to ensure the continued resilience and productivity of this vital sector. The agricultural process, from primary production to distribution, transportation, storage and sale to the end customer, must adhere to stringent hygiene standards to ensure food safety and quality. Yet, the Southwest region has been grappling with acute food scarcity exacerbated by pervasive insecurity, threatening the stability and sustainability of food production and distribution.
In response to this pressing issue, the governors of the Southwest states recently convened at a food security roundtable organized by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. This high-level meeting aimed to develop a comprehensive regional agricultural framework to address the food security challenges head-on. The Southwest Governors’ Forum, recognising the urgent need for action, mandated the DAWN Commission to organise this crucial meeting. During the session, Commissioners for Agriculture from all six states committed to implementing the agreed-upon resolutions meticulously, signalling a unified approach to tackling the region’s food security issues.
In his opening speech, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, the Director General of the DAWN Commission, underscored the necessity of dispelling the myth that the Southwest can no longer produce its own food. He called on participants to formulate actionable recommendations that state governors could implement swiftly, emphasizing the region’s potential to reclaim its agricultural prowess. The roundtable discussions highlighted several key areas for immediate and long-term action. These included enhancing agricultural productivity through modern farming techniques, improving security to protect farmers and their produce, and investing in infrastructure to facilitate efficient transportation and storage of agricultural goods. Additionally, the need for collaboration between state governments, private sector stakeholders, and international partners was emphasised to pool resources and expertise.
By the end of the roundtable, a comprehensive set of recommendations was developed, focusing on boosting local food production, ensuring food safety, and creating a sustainable agricultural framework for the Southwest region. These recommendations included measures to support smallholder farmers, enhance access to agricultural financing, and promote the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. The commitment shown by the Southwest governors and agricultural commissioners at this meeting marks a significant step towards revitalizing the region’s agricultural sector. With a clear framework and collaborative effort, the Southwest can overcome its current challenges and pave the way for a more secure and prosperous agricultural future.
As these initiatives take root, the hope is that the Southwest will not only restore its capacity to produce sufficient food for its population but also contribute more robustly to the national food security agenda. The DAWN Commission’s role in facilitating this collaborative effort is crucial, ensuring that the region’s agricultural policies and practices align with broader national and global food security goals. In the coming months, the successful implementation of these strategies will be critical. By focusing on practical, impactful solutions, the Southwest states can achieve a sustainable transformation in their agricultural sector, reinforcing their position as a vital contributor to Nigeria’s food security and economic stability.
Further agreements reached during the meeting involve significant land clearance, improved security measures, and the large-scale cultivation of short-term crops such as maize, sweet potatoes, and vegetables. Additional initiatives consist of rejuvenating stagnant dams for irrigation, enhancing mechanisation along the entire value chain, adopting a cluster farming strategy, expanding input distribution, and establishing an electronic agriculture database. Indeed, the South-west region is currently confronted with the task of enhancing food production through the implementation of strategies that aim to improve efficiency and educate farmers on the latest agricultural advancements.
Speaking with The Nation, Ms Abisola Olusanya pointed out: “We had agreed as far back as 2019 for the states in the Southwest to focus on developing their competitive areas of strength in food production. At the end of the day, collectively we will become food secure. In Lagos, our focus has been on building market access and up taking capacities and aggregation. Other states in the South-west such as Oyo, Ondo , Ogun and Ekiti can grow for Lagos to uptake. Part of our understanding as members of the region is that if one is going to grow, the other should uptake. Along the line, we had challenges with implementation. That was in the past. In recent times, we decided to forge ahead regardless of present challenges. Part of our plan in Lagos is to build a huge up-taking market. The market requires a lot of food items in flow. The food will come from different parts of the country. Apart from the little we will grow internally. Therefore, the level of collaboration and synergy required to achieve this has to be greater now. Rather than waiting for other states to get their farmers to kick start production as part of the collective vision, we are supporting mobilising our farmers to grow food .That has been the conversation.”
She highlighted that regional agricultural progress is pivotal in paving the way for comprehensive change, emphasising that it is imperative for the collaborating states to fully dedicate themselves to boosting agricultural productivity. This goal is interconnected with advancements in boosting access to technology, improving the efficiency of farming practices, increasing private investment, and reducing fragmentation in value chains. Significant efforts are being made to improve food production in the Southwest.
DAWN plays a key role in coordinating efforts between industry, government and academia to ensure a sustainable and profitable future for agriculture and food production in the region. The organization is firmly committed to partnering with the states to double food production, and its strategic plan has been met with an overwhelmingly positive reception. A recent meeting on agriculture funding in the Southwest convened by the Commission brought together the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), the six states in the region, and key private sector stakeholders. The forum was attended by the NADF delegation, led by its Executive Secretary Mohammed Abu Ibrahim; the DAWN Commission team, led by Director-General Seye Oyeleye; the six ministries of agriculture in the region; Odu’a Investments Company Limited (OICL); and other participants. Ibrahim told the meeting that NADF is focusing on improving agricultural output, import substitution, and employment generation in alignment with President Tinubu’s agenda and the mission of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to transform Nigeria into an agricultural economy.
“It is very gratifying that through the DAWN Commission, we have the six states of the Southwest articulate their different positions. I don’t know if I have seen this model elsewhere. I noticed the well-articulated agricultural policies of the states, which show purposeful leadership. We expect to proceed into working groups to see how we can now deliver our mandate.”
Each state presented statistical data on past and current agricultural projects and outlined future plans to secure funding from NADF. Lagos State focused on establishing agro-produce hubs and enhancing value chains in various sectors. Ekiti prioritised cocoa, oil palm, rice, poultry, and small ruminants. Ogun State highlighted its advantage in cassava and poultry production and the need for funding to boost output. Ondo State emphasised the importance of funding for land development, climate-smart agriculture and priority value chains. Osun State sought support for rural road rehabilitation and high-yield seedlings. Meanwhile, Oyo requested funding for ongoing mechanised farming initiatives and viable seed production.
Industrialised agriculture brings change
As the demand for locally sourced food continues to rise, entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector are meeting the challenge with innovation and resilience. Among them is Kola Adeniji, the founder of Niji Group, who recognises the region’s significance in terms of agricultural output. His business spans manufacturing agri-processing equipment, farming, and food production. Niji Farm’s cassava farm is considered one of the largest, while Niji Foods is a leading processor of cassava in the country. The company offers a range of products, including fine gari, odourless fufu, yam flour, cassava peel mash for livestock feed, and high-quality industrial cassava flour used in various industries.
Read Also: Stakeholders seek action on food security in Ondo, Ekiti, Osun
Adeniji emphasised the importance of agriculture in eradicating hunger and malnutrition in the region, stressing the need for increased attention to agriculture. This includes ensuring access to funds, improved seeds, and agricultural extension services to keep farmers informed about new seeds and effective marketing strategies. Moving forward, he urged Southwest governors to focus on increasing the region’s productivity and reducing food production costs through modernization and technology. Applauding the regional move to provide support and incentives for the sector, he noted that the agricultural sector continues to be one of the most important growth engines for the Southwest economy.
With a multitude of programs aimed at boosting agricultural production, expectations are high that the region will witness a decrease in the cost of essential food items. This reduction will allow consumers to allocate more resources towards other goods, fuelling consumer spending and strengthening domestic investment. The outcome is expected to be a favourable economic landscape characterised by increased aggregate demand, higher domestic investment, and improved employment opportunities. The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has unveiled plans to transform the agricultural sector in the state, assuring stakeholders that his administration is addressing critical issues such as farm inputs, tractorisation and food security.
According to Governor Adeleke, his administration has developed a robust and inclusive plan for the agricultural sector, emphasising, “The state is now poised for the implementation of various programs in the sector. We prioritise agriculture profoundly. Initially, our government focused on addressing infrastructure deficits to enhance connectivity between rural and urban areas within the agricultural sector. Our initial efforts centred on constructing roads and bridges to strengthen transportation and market linkages. Now that significant progress has been achieved in infrastructure development, we are ready to launch specific programs tailored for the agricultural sector. I have established an implementation committee based on recommendations from our food security committee.”
Similarly, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has unveiled a new initiative aimed at boosting agriculture in the state. The initiative includes a 50 per cent subsidy on improved cocoa, oil palm and cashew seedlings distributed to farmers during the current planting season. This subsidy is intended to attract new farmers and rejuvenate the agricultural sector. According to the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, this programme forms part of a comprehensive strategy to revitalise Ekiti State’s agriculture sector and create employment opportunities.
The Ogun State government has reiterated its commitment to mechanized agriculture as a cornerstone of ensuring food security within the state. Speaking during a two-day training organised for Ogun farmers by Contec Global Agro LTD, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security Bolu Owotomo emphasised this commitment. Owotomo highlighted that the state has implemented various empowerment programmes aimed at boosting farm productivity and ensuring food security. He underscored food security as the top priority of the administration led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, noting the extensive empowerment efforts targeting farmers, including women. The state has distributed crop inputs, herbicides, and livestock to farmers to enhance productivity and increase food availability for consumption.
In summary, Ogun State’s initiatives underscore a concerted effort to leverage mechanized agriculture and comprehensive empowerment programs to bolster food security and enhance agricultural productivity across the state. “Indeed, food security is our top priority in the state, as the administration led by Dapo Abiodun has ordered the massive empowerment of farmers across the state, including women farmers, so the state has distributed both crop inputs, herbicides and birds to the farmers, in order to boost their productivity and make food available for people’s consumption,” Owotomo said.
In the past five years, there has been a notable surge in investor interest in the agricultural industry across the Southwest of Nigeria, driven by a range of attractive and diversified opportunities. The agricultural and agri-food sectors play pivotal roles in the economies of Lagos and Ogun States. This heightened interest in investment is largely fuelled by increasing demand for food products, spurred by population growth and urbanisation trends. Furthermore, the Southwest’s advantageous geographical position, characterised by fertile land and favourable climate, enhances the region’s agricultural productivity.
Odua Investments Company Limited has been actively involved in unlocking the estimated Gross Domestic Product (GDP) potential of the Southwest, valued at over $80 billion, and harnessing its significant agricultural capabilities. Dr. Segun Aina, the Group Chairman of Odua Investments, recently highlighted that their subsidiary, SWAgCo, was established to unlock unrealised agricultural and underutilised agribusiness potential. The organisation aims to transform these opportunities into institutional-grade investment operations, leveraging their expertise to maximise the economic potential of agriculture across the South-west region.
