With food insecurity affecting millions of Nigerians, agricultural experts, policymakers, and development partners convened in Abuja for the National Stakeholder Dialogue on Food Security, calling for urgent policy reforms, increased investments, and technological innovations to strengthen the country’s food system.
The dialogue, themed “Achieving Food Security in Nigeria: Bridging the Gap,” provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss systemic challenges in food production, distribution, and accessibility. Experts highlighted climate change, poor infrastructure, and limited access to finance for smallholder farmers as key barriers to achieving food sufficiency in the country.
Adetola Adegbite, Country Director of One Acre Fund, stressed the need for holistic solutions, noting that despite Nigeria’s agricultural potential, food insecurity remains a growing concern.
“Nigeria has the land, the resources, and the people to be a leading food producer in Africa, yet millions of citizens struggle to access nutritious meals,” Adegbite stated. “The problem is not just about production but also about distribution, affordability, and resilience in the face of climate change.”
The discussion also focused on bridging the gap between research and practice, ensuring that agricultural innovations reach farmers at the grassroots level. Millindi Sibomana, Chief Agriculture Officer of One Acre Fund, emphasized that smallholder farmers, who produce over 70% of Nigeria’s food, lack access to high-quality inputs, financing, and stable markets.
“Empowering farmers with the right tools and knowledge is not a choice—it’s a necessity. Without stronger support systems, we will continue to experience food shortages and rising prices,” Sibomana said.
Stakeholders urged the government to create policies that encourage private-sector investment, expand rural infrastructure, and integrate climate-smart agriculture into national development plans.
Emmanuel Bamgboye, Field Operations Lead for One Acre Fund, pointed out the human impact of food insecurity, revealing that one in three Nigerians is uncertain about their next meal.
“Hunger is not just an economic problem; it’s a social crisis that affects health, education, and national stability. Addressing food security must be a top priority,” he noted.
As the dialogue concluded, participants pledged to drive actionable solutions, strengthen agricultural value chains, and foster collaborations between government agencies, private investors, and rural farmers.
With Nigeria’s population projected to exceed 250 million by 2050, experts warned that without immediate interventions, the country’s food crisis could worsen, leading to increased poverty and instability. However, they remained optimistic that with the right investments and policy shifts, Nigeria could unlock its agricultural potential and achieve long-term food security.
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