In a bold and decisive move, Nigeria’s president has declared a state of emergency on food security, recognising the urgent need to address the mounting challenges faced by Nigerians. This critical step aims to safeguard the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food for all Nigerians. With a comprehensive plan in place, the presidency is urging Nigerians to rally together and embark on a transformative journey to revolutionise the country’s agriculture. However, some experts have expressed concern as to the clarity and feasibility of the interventions.
The immediate interventions outlined by the president demonstrate a proactive approach to mitigate the impact of the subsidy removal and kick-start agricultural rejuvenation. By releasing fertilizers and grains to farmers and households, the government aims to alleviate the burden on the most vulnerable populations. Moreover, synergising the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Water Resources will ensure year-round farming through improved irrigation systems, helping Nigeria break free from the constraints of seasonal agriculture.
Crucially, the establishment of a National Commodity Board, with support from key stakeholders across the agricultural value chain, is a significant stride toward stabilizing food prices and safeguarding against market fluctuations. Collaborating with the National Commodity Exchange, seed companies, research institutes, and microfinance banks, among others, will strengthen the intervention efforts and ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach to food security.
To meet the growing demand for food, Nigeria must harness its vast potential for agricultural productivity. The government’s commitment to deploying land banks and engaging mechanisation companies for land clearing will increase arable land availability and boost farming efficiency. Additionally, the strategic utilisation of river basins for irrigation schemes will enable continuous farming production throughout the year, overcoming the cyclic challenges of glut and scarcity.
The Central Bank’s continued role in funding the agricultural value chain is pivotal for sustainable growth. By providing concessionary capital to sectors like fertilizer, processing, mechanisation and storage, the government seeks to stimulate production, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure affordable food prices.
Furthermore, investing in transportation infrastructure, including rail and water transport, will streamline the movement of agricultural products, reducing costs and making Nigerian goods more competitive in domestic and international markets.
As Nigeria focuses on domestic food security, it must not overlook the potential for agricultural exports. With sufficient food availability for the population, the government should concurrently work on enhancing the export capacity of the agricultural sector.
Streamlining trade facilitation processes, collaborating with the Nigeria Customs and eliminating bottlenecks in intra-city transportation will bolster Nigeria’s position as a reliable supplier of high-quality agricultural products.
Some subject matter experts have expressed concern over some of the interventions outlined in the president’s state of emergency declaration. For instance, on the immediate release of fertilisers and grains to farmers and households, an agricultural businessman exclaimed that the federal government did not have fertiliser or grains to release in the quantities that mattered.
He went on to ask if the fertilisers were going to be procured and when, expressing concerns towards the implementation of the interventions. Furthermore, he wondered why a new national commodity board was being floated when the Nigeria Commodity Exchange could be empowered and enabled to serve the purpose.
For me, this declaration of a state of emergency on food security marks a crucial turning point for Nigerian agriculture quite very early in President Tinubu’s tenure. It demands a collective commitment from all stakeholders to undertake comprehensive reforms, prioritise sustainable practices, and foster inclusive growth.
By embracing the immediate, medium- and long-term interventions, Nigeria has the opportunity to transform its agricultural landscape, ensuring food security, stimulating economic growth and improving the well-being of its people.
As the nation embarks on this journey, it is imperative to maintain transparency, accountability, and continuous dialogue among government, farmers, private sector players, and civil society organisations. If the CBN, the commodity associations and other key players must continue to play central roles in agricultural policy implementation, then we must look at their missteps and correct them before we proceed.
Together, we can build a resilient and vibrant agricultural sector that not only feeds the nation but also contributes to Nigeria’s overall development and global standing. The time for action is now, and the future of Nigeria’s agriculture lies in our collective determination to create a sustainable, secure, and prosperous food system for generations to come.
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