Why Nigeria must act now on food security

By Olubunmi Akanbi

FOOD security is no longer just a rural concern—it is a national priority tied directly to Nigeria’s economic stability and growth. Recent empirical evidence from my research shows that agriculture remains a powerful driver of the economy, with increases in agricultural output significantly boosting GDP. This underscores a simple but urgent truth: any serious effort to strengthen Nigeria’s economy must begin with deliberate policies that support agricultural productivity. Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. We have the resources, the land, and the human capital to feed ourselves and even export surplus. Yet, we continue to face food shortages, rising prices, and heavy dependence on imports. The challenge is not one of potential, but of policy direction and implementation. One of the most pressing issues confronting agriculture in Nigeria today is insecurity in farming communities. The recent site visit to many of farming communities which were heavy producers of our major foods revealed that many fathers have abandoned or scaled down farming due to challenges of insecurity. Across several regions, farmers are unable to access their lands due to persistent conflicts and violence. This has significantly reduced production levels and discouraged investment in farming. The consequences are visible in our markets—reduced supply, higher prices, and increasing hardship for ordinary Nigerians.

Closely linked to this is the broader macroeconomic environment. Inflation continues to erode purchasing power, while exchange rate volatility has made critical inputs such as fertilisers, machinery, and improved seeds more expensive. For smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of our agricultural system, these rising costs limit their ability to expand production. The result is a cycle of low productivity that ultimately undermines food security. These challenges, though serious, are not insurmountable. What is required is urgent, targeted, and sustained policy action. First, government must shift from general spending to strategic investment in agriculture. Mechanisation, irrigation, and improved seed systems are not luxuries—they are necessities for modern agricultural productivity. Mechanisation reduces labour constraints and increases efficiency. Irrigation allows for year-round farming, reducing dependence on seasonal rainfall. Improved seeds enhance yield and resilience, ensuring that farmers can produce more even under challenging conditions.

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Second, security in rural areas must be strengthened. No agricultural policy can succeed if farmers are unable to safely cultivate their land. Protecting farming communities is fundamental to restoring confidence in the sector and ensuring consistent food production. Third, we must move beyond production and focus on the entire agricultural value chain. Producing food is only one part of the equation. Without adequate storage, processing, and transportation systems, a significant portion of what is produced is lost. Post-harvest losses remain a major challenge in Nigeria, contributing to food scarcity and price instability. Investing in value chains will not only reduce these losses but also create jobs, stimulate rural economies, and enhance food availability. Another critical area is data-driven policymaking. Effective agricultural planning depends on reliable and timely data. Strengthening our data systems will enable better forecasting, more efficient allocation of resources, and quicker responses to emerging food challenges. In a rapidly changing economic environment, guesswork is no longer an option.

It is also important to recognise the ongoing structural transformation within the economy. As development progresses, labour naturally shifts from agriculture to other sectors. While this is expected, it must be managed carefully. We must create opportunities in agribusiness and rural non-farm activities to absorb this labour, ensuring that livelihoods are sustained while agricultural productivity continues to improve. At its core, food security is about more than agriculture—it is about national stability. A nation that cannot feed itself is vulnerable to inflation, unemployment, and social unrest. When food prices rise uncontrollably, the effects are felt across every sector of the economy. Households struggle, businesses face increased costs, and government is placed under mounting pressure. This is why I maintain that food security is economic security. It is not an abstract concept; it is a practical necessity that affects every Nigerian, regardless of location or occupation.

Nigeria has what it takes to achieve food security. Our land is fertile, our people are resilient, and our knowledge base continues to grow. What we need now is the political will to translate these advantages into meaningful outcomes through well-designed and consistently implemented policies. The path forward is clear: invest strategically in agriculture, secure our rural communities, develop value chains, stabilise the macroeconomic environment, and embrace data-driven decision-making. These are not optional measures—they are essential steps toward building a resilient and self-sufficient nation. The decisions we make today will determine the Nigeria we build tomorrow. If we act decisively, we can secure not only our food systems but also lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity. The time to act is now.

•Dr. Akanbi, an agric-economics policy researcher and analyst, is based in Abuja.