Nigeria, with over 70 million hectares of arable land and an agriculture-driven economy, should be a leader in food production. Yet, the country faces severe food insecurity, with 26.5 million Nigerians projected to experience a food crisis in 2024, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Rising food prices, low productivity, and climate change have worsened the situation, threatening economic stability and national security.
Despite contributing about 25% of Nigeria’s GDP, agriculture remains underdeveloped. Smallholder farmers, who are responsible for over 90% of domestic food production, lack access to improved seeds, fertilizers, and mechanized tools. The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports that only 3.7% of Nigerian farmers use tractors, compared to 60% in China and Brazil. This low mechanization rate significantly limits productivity.
Post-harvest losses are another critical issue. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) estimates that Nigeria loses up to 50% of perishable farm produce, leading to scarcity and price hikes. Poor storage facilities and bad road networks make it difficult for farmers to transport goods to markets, and these further exacerbates food shortages.
Insecurity is perhaps the most pressing challenge. According to the Global Terrorism Index 2023, Nigeria remains one of the most affected countries by terrorism, with farmer-herder conflicts, banditry, and insurgencies forcing many farmers to abandon their lands. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that insecurity has displaced over 3.3 million people in Northern Nigeria, severely disrupting agricultural activities.
The consequences are alarming. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December 2024 reveals that Nigeria’s headline inflation rate rose to 34.80%, up from 34.60% in November 2024, driven largely by food price increases. Food inflation stood at 39.84%, with staple foods such as yam, sweet potatoes, maize, and rice experiencing significant price surges. This has made basic nutrition unaffordable for many Nigerians.
Malnutrition is also on the rise, with over 17 million Nigerian children suffering from chronic undernutrition, according to UNICEF. Additionally, Nigeria’s overreliance on food imports worsens economic instability. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reports that food imports cost the country $10.7 billion annually, depleting foreign reserves and weakening the naira.
To reverse this trend, Nigeria must invest in mechanized farming, climate-smart agriculture, and agricultural financing. Increasing access to loans and subsidies for smallholder farmers can boost productivity. The adoption of improved storage and irrigation systems will also reduce post-harvest losses and enhance year-round farming.
Security concerns must be urgently addressed. The government should strengthen policies to resolve farmer-herder conflicts and invest in community-based policing to protect rural farming areas. Additionally, initiatives such as the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) should be expanded to reduce conflicts over grazing land.
To curb import dependency, Nigeria should promote local food production through value chain development and agribusiness support. Strengthening food processing industries and improving rural infrastructure will ensure that farmers can get their produce to markets efficiently.
Food security is not just an agricultural issue; it is a national security and economic priority. With the right policies, investments, and security interventions, Nigeria can leverage its agricultural potential to feed its growing population and reduce dependence on food imports. A sustainable agricultural revolution is not an option – it is an urgent necessity.
