By Abdulkareem Haruna

Lagos, Nigeria – In a powerful address at the Food and Energy Security in Africa Conference, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, emphasized the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat the escalating threat of food insecurity in Nigeria.

He warned that this growing crisis not only jeopardizes national security but also poses significant risks to health, productivity, and socio-economic stability.

Senator Kyari, speaking at the conference organized by White & Case LP in collaboration with the Africa Finance Corporation and other prominent institutions, highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to placing agriculture at the forefront of Nigeria’s development agenda.

“Food security is not just an agricultural issue; it is a national security concern,” he stated, emphasizing the critical need for immediate action.

The Minister called for enhanced private-sector collaboration to tackle the multifaceted challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

“We must confront issues such as climate change, soil degradation, and insecurity in farming communities head-on,” Kyari urged, reinforcing the idea that collective efforts are essential for sustainable solutions.

In a candid reflection on the current state of Nigeria’s agricultural infrastructure, Kyari lamented, “Inadequate roads and storage facilities contribute to massive food loss and inflate agricultural costs. We cannot afford to let this continue.”

He advocated for substantial investments in irrigation systems, water conservation practices, and climate-smart agriculture as necessary steps to build resilience against climate change.

The minister also stressed the importance of strengthening the agricultural value chain. “Improving storage, logistics, and agro-processing industries is vital to reducing post-harvest losses and increasing our export potential,” he explained, calling for a comprehensive approach to reimagining Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Deji Adegoke, Partner and Head of Africa Practice at White & Case LP, echoed Kyari’s sentiments, asserting that “food security is the cornerstone of Africa’s future.” He highlighted the sector’s significant economic contributions, noting that agriculture employs over 25 million Nigerians and accounts for 40% of the nation’s GDP.

Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of Africa Finance Corporation, added that financing for smallholder farmers remains a critical hurdle. “We need to collaborate across sectors to enhance agricultural production and drive economic growth,” he urged, emphasizing the role of innovation in overcoming these challenges.

The discussions at the conference served as a clarion call for transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector into a robust engine for food security and national stability. As Minister Kyari aptly stated, “The time for action is now. Together, we can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and prosperity.” 

The Humanitarian Times believes that with a unified commitment from all stakeholders, Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment to secure its food future and bolster its economic resilience.