One of the government’s immediate interventions is the 150-day duty-free import window for essential food commodities, introduced to increase food supply and help stabilise rising prices. While acknowledging the short-term benefits of the measure, Okuntimo warned that prolonged reliance on imports could negatively affect domestic producers if not carefully managed.

He stressed that such interventions should remain temporary while government simultaneously strengthens local agricultural production capacity.

Livestock reforms key to reducing import dependence

Okuntimo identified the National Livestock Master Plan as one of the most important reforms currently underway in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

According to him, the programme could help address longstanding inefficiencies in livestock production by promoting a transition from open grazing systems to ranching, improving animal health services, and strengthening feed supply chains.

If fully implemented, he said the reforms could significantly increase local dairy and meat production, reduce dependence on imports, and help ease persistent farmer-herder conflicts across the country.

Mechanisation needed to boost productivity

The expert also emphasised the importance of expanding agricultural mechanisation through initiatives such as lease-to-own equipment schemes aimed at supporting smallholder farmers.

He noted that limited access to modern farming equipment remains a major obstacle to productivity in Nigeria’s agriculture sector, particularly among rural producers.

Improved access to machinery, he said, would help farmers increase efficiency, reduce post-harvest losses, and make agriculture more attractive to younger generations.

Concerns over implementation challenges

Despite welcoming the reform agenda, Okuntimo cautioned that weak implementation has historically undermined many agricultural policies in Nigeria.

He pointed to poor institutional coordination, inadequate funding, and inconsistent policy direction as major barriers that continue to affect sector performance.

To improve outcomes, he called for stronger monitoring and evaluation systems, greater transparency, and deeper collaboration between government agencies and private sector stakeholders.

Okuntimo added that Nigeria’s agricultural sector still holds significant untapped potential, particularly in agro-processing, digital agriculture, climate-smart farming, and export-oriented production.

He maintained that sustained political commitment and effective implementation will be critical if agriculture is to become a dependable driver of economic growth, employment creation, and long-term food security in Nigeria.