Nigeria has consistently ranked poorly in global human development reports, with declining life expectancy, shrinking household incomes, and alarmingly high unemployment rates. However, the most urgent challenge remains the worsening food insecurity. While President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a national emergency on food security is a positive step, it must go beyond rhetoric.

Immediate, concrete actions are required to boost agricultural productivity in the country.
Although past administrations have introduced various agricultural initiatives, their impact has often been undermined by structural inefficiencies, mismanagement, and politicization. For instance, in 2022, former President Muhammadu Buhari established the National Food Security Council, comprising governors from six geopolitical zones, along with key ministers and security officials. The council, chaired by Buhari, was tasked with developing programs to promote employment in farming, fisheries, animal husbandry, and forestry.

Historical agricultural efforts have faced similar setbacks. The second National Economic Plan (1970–74) prioritized agriculture but failed to achieve meaningful results. Between 1975 and 1979, General Olusegun Obasanjo launched Operation Feed the Nation (OFN), but it fell short of addressing Nigeria’s food crisis. Similarly, President Shehu Shagari’s Green Revolution Programme, aimed at boosting domestic food production, ultimately ended in failure, like many subsequent initiatives.

The current administration must learn from these past shortcomings. Speaking at the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage, Tinubu reiterated his commitment to addressing agricultural challenges. Days later in Katsina State, he outlined a vision for food security, emphasizing the need for mechanization and improved water resource management. He also announced plans to revitalize the Bank of Agriculture to provide financing for farmers across different scales.

Data from the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning reveals that over 31.8 million Nigerians suffer from acute food insecurity, with malnutrition severely affecting women and children. The consequences of neglecting this crisis are staggering, particularly given its impact on child mortality rates.

Climate change further threatens agricultural stability by reducing farming seasons. “Our fertile lands are turning to dust. Irrigation is now a necessity, not a luxury,” Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum warned, highlighting unpredictable rainfall patterns that have left farmers uncertain. He stressed the importance of empowering women and youth, who play critical roles in agriculture.

To transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the government must collaborate with the private sector to establish credit facilities for farmers and promote mechanized farming. Fortunately, civic groups and concerned citizens are working toward solutions—they just need the support of relevant authorities. A nation as resource-rich as Nigeria should not be grappling with food scarcity.