FG Pushes For Long-Term Agricultural Investments To Tackle Food Insecurity

The Federal Government of Nigeria is prioritizing long-term agricultural investments to address the country’s food insecurity crisis, emphasizing that short-term relief measures are insufficient for sustainable growth.

At the Green Agric West Africa Expo (GAWA) 2025 held in Lagos, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, reiterated the need for commercial and modern farming techniques, including irrigation and green technology, to ensure food sufficiency. Represented by the Ministry’s Lagos State Coordinator, Mrs. Omolara Abimbola-Oguntuyi, Kyari underscored the importance of shifting from short-term palliatives to strategic, long-term solutions.

FG Advocates Sustainable Agricultural Development

Highlighting Nigeria’s growing population and dwindling food supply, Kyari stressed that the government is committed to implementing medium- and long-term strategies to enhance food security. He noted that commercial agriculture and modern innovations such as precision farming and climate-smart agricultural practices must be prioritized.

“We must focus on commercial and sustainable agriculture, incorporating irrigation systems, green technology, and modern techniques. Our food production capacity must align with our population growth to avoid prolonged food insecurity,” Kyari stated.

He further emphasized that government palliatives are temporary measures and do not provide a lasting solution to the country’s food challenges. Instead, the focus must shift to sustainable investments that tackle both agricultural and security concerns.

Agriculture: A Pillar of West Africa’s Economy

Describing agriculture as the backbone of West Africa’s economy, Kyari highlighted the importance of sustainable policies that promote environmentally friendly farming techniques. He noted that fostering sustainable farming practices will help protect biodiversity, conserve natural resources, and maintain a resilient agricultural sector.

According to Kyari, the Federal Government remains dedicated to creating networking opportunities for businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs in the agricultural industry. He emphasized that the private sector must lead the agricultural transformation, while the government will provide essential infrastructure and oversight.

“We are focused on policies that ensure access to nutritious food while promoting regenerative farming techniques to sustain the ecosystem,” he added.

Call for Financial Support to Farmers

During his keynote speech, Prof. Lateef Sanni, Executive Director of the Nigeria Stock Product Research Institute, called on the government to facilitate access to credit facilities for farmers. He stressed that financial support is crucial for attracting youth into the agricultural sector.

“The government must provide farmers with credit facilities at single-digit interest rates to ensure their growth and productivity,” Sanni stated.

GAWA 2025: A Platform for Agricultural Innovation

Earlier in the event, Mr. Abiodun Olaniyi, Executive Director of Agriquest Africa Network Ltd., noted that the expo was organized to advance agricultural development in West Africa. He emphasized the need to integrate climate-smart agricultural solutions and soil health restoration techniques to enhance food production.

“We are looking at the future of agriculture by adopting innovative solutions, focusing on regenerative agriculture, and ensuring sustainability in farming practices,” Olaniyi remarked.

The Green Agric West Africa Expo 2025 serves as a vital platform for industry stakeholders to collaborate and implement forward-thinking solutions that will shape the future of agriculture in the region.