Stakeholders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector have called for stronger security measures and improved coordination across all levels of government to enhance productivity and ensure food security.

The call was made during a Food Security and Socioeconomic Stability discussion held in Lagos. Speaking at the event, Hussein Gadain, representing the Food and Agriculture Organization, emphasized the importance of prioritizing conflict prevention over conflict resolution. He noted that similar approaches in the past helped reduce clashes between farmers and herders.

Gadain highlighted insecurity—particularly banditry—as a major obstacle preventing farmers from accessing their land. In parts of the North-East, he said, vast areas of farmland have been abandoned due to safety concerns. He urged the government to invest more in security to enable farmers to return to their fields and boost food production.

He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between federal, state, and local governments. Since land administration falls under state control, he noted that federal agricultural policies must be effectively implemented at subnational levels to achieve meaningful results.

A representative of the Minister of Agriculture stated that the federal government is already working with state authorities to strengthen agricultural output. Ongoing efforts include fertilizer distribution, rural road development, and the rollout of agricultural projects across multiple states. However, funding constraints remain a challenge due to the country’s large population, prompting increased reliance on partnerships with private investors and international organizations.

Meanwhile, Kabir Ibrahim, President of the All-Farmers Association of Nigeria, pointed to weak monitoring systems as a key issue affecting the sector. He stressed that agriculture should be treated as a business rather than merely a subsistence activity, calling for better training, improved access to technology, and stronger support systems to help farmers process and market their produce.

Ibrahim also noted that although food is available in markets, many Nigerians struggle to afford it due to low purchasing power. He recommended that each geopolitical zone focus on crops suited to its environment and culture, and called for greater investment in food processing to add value locally instead of exporting raw produce.

The discussion concluded with a consensus that improving security, increasing funding, and strengthening collaboration between government tiers are critical steps toward reducing poverty and achieving sustainable food security in Nigeria.