
Food crisis: Promises will not feed the populace
The escalating food insecurity in Nigeria is a crisis that continues to worsen, despite the federal government’s repeated assurances and promises.
Six months ago, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Abubakar Kyari pledged that food prices would experience significant reductions within 180 days. Yet, millions of Nigerians are still grappling with soaring food prices, as staple commodities like rice, beans, and meat have become increasingly unaffordable.
As reported by our newspaper, food inflation stood at a staggering 39.84% in December, underscoring the country’s failure to address the root causes of this crisis. The cost of basic food items has reached alarming levels. During the festive season, for instance, the price of a live chicken soared to N30,000, while turkeys were sold for as much as N150,000. The cost of a 50kg bag of rice has now surpassed N100,000, up from N85,000 when Kyari made his initial promise.
Meanwhile, the minimum wage remains fixed at N70,000, which is far below the cost of essential goods. For comparison, workers in places like California earn a much higher minimum wage of $16.50 per hour, starkly highlighting the vast disparity in living standards.
This inflationary spiral is particularly concerning given Nigeria’s immense agricultural potential. The country possesses 40 million hectares of arable land, a vast river network, and over 800 kilometres of coastline. With such resources, Nigeria should have been well on its way to achieving food self-sufficiency. Yet, paradoxically, hunger and food insecurity remain widespread.
One of the key failures of the government has been its inability to deliver on promised policy measures. The suspension of import duties, taxes, and tariffs on essential foodstuffs like wheat, corn, and rice—measures meant to alleviate food costs—has yet to be realised. Similarly, plans to import 250,000 metric tons of wheat and corn and to promote mechanised farming have remained largely unfulfilled. This inaction deepens the crisis, leaving many households unable to afford even the most basic nutrition.
The situation is further exacerbated by insecurity in Nigeria’s agricultural hubs, particularly in the northern regions. Banditry and violence have made farming increasingly dangerous, leading to reduced productivity and higher food prices. Farmers in states such as Kaduna and Kwara have reported poor harvests due to prolonged droughts and political interference, further diminishing local food supplies.
In contrast, regions like Jigawa, Kano, and Yobe have enjoyed bumper harvests, but much of this produce has been exported abroad, depleting domestic food stocks. The government’s failure to prioritise domestic food security over export revenue is a major misstep. Policies must be designed to ensure that incentives—such as subsidies and access to inputs—are directed towards boosting local food production for local consumption.
Nigeria’s agricultural sector has long suffered from chronic underinvestment. Budgetary allocations consistently fall short of the 10% target set by the Maputo Declaration, leading to insufficient funding for vital areas like research, infrastructure, and rural credit. Smallholder farmers, who make up the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, remain without access to the resources they need to improve yields, such as quality seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation systems.
The experiences of countries like Brazil offer a valuable roadmap for transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. Brazil’s success in modernising its agriculture has largely been driven by substantial investments in research, technology, and infrastructure. Nigeria could greatly benefit from a similar strategy, ensuring that agricultural policies prioritise long-term sustainability and food security.
Mechanisation is another critical area where Nigeria lags far behind other agricultural powerhouses. With fewer than 30 tractors per 100,000 farmers, compared to over 300 in Brazil and India, Nigerian agriculture remains inefficient and labour-intensive. The government must prioritise the provision of affordable mechanisation tools, which would reduce production costs and increase farm efficiency.
Infrastructural challenges, particularly in rural areas, only add to the crisis. Poor roads and unreliable transport networks raise transportation costs, making it more expensive to move food from farms to markets. A bag of corn produced in Kaduna can end up three times more expensive by the time it reaches Lagos due to extortion, illegal taxes, and high fuel costs. By investing in rural roads and rail infrastructure, Nigeria could reduce transportation costs and make food more affordable.
State-level interventions, such as the successful Lake Rice partnership between Lagos and Kebbi states, demonstrate the potential for local governments to drive agricultural development. The federal government must encourage states to take a more active role in agricultural policy and collaborate with the private sector to improve productivity.
Beyond the economic implications, Nigeria’s food crisis is now a matter of national survival. The 2024 State of Food Security and Nutrition report indicates that 78.7% of Nigerians cannot afford a healthy diet, and malnutrition rates—especially among children—are on the rise. Food now accounts for over 60% of household expenditures, forcing many families to make painful decisions between feeding their children and meeting other essential needs like healthcare and education.
The current administration under President Bola Tinubu must urgently address this crisis. This requires a comprehensive, coherent agricultural policy that focuses on food self-sufficiency, sustainable farming practices, and private sector investment.
Nigeria has the resources and potential to feed its people. However, realising this potential requires political will, strategic vision, and decisive action. If the government fails to act, Nigeria risks continuing the heartbreaking paradox of mass hunger in a land of plenty.