Nigeria today faces two major challenges in agriculture: an inability to meet domestic food needs and an inability to export at the quality level necessary for market success. The first problem is a productivity challenge caused by a largely inefficient input system and agricultural model. As a result, an ageing population of farmers does not have enough seeds, fertilisers, irrigation, crop protection and related support to be successful. The latter challenge is driven by an equally inefficient system for setting and enforcing food quality standards and a lack of knowledge of the target markets. Insufficient food testing facilities, a weak inspection system and poor coordination between the competent federal authorities lead to problems at an early stage, such as a lack of knowledge of the permissible pollutant contents.

To put the Nigerian agricultural sector on a growth path, measures are needed to fill these two gaps: to produce enough fresh, high quality food for the Nigerian market and to successfully serve the export market and earn foreign exchange. In order to meet the challenges successfully, Nigeria depends on the support of know-how and agricultural and animal husbandry technology from abroad.

Source: Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Nigeria