Agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for a large percentage of Nigeria’s population, especially in rural areas, providing food, raw materials for industries, and employment opportunities. Yet, despite its immense potential, the sector continues to face challenges that have hindered its growth. From food shortages to declining foreign exchange earnings, the downturn has been evident since the 1960s — a consequence of the oil boom, civil war, and the subsequent neglect of agricultural development.
To its credit, the government has responded by introducing numerous policies and programmes. Focus areas such as crop production, livestock farming, fisheries, and forestry have received renewed attention. Subsidies on fertilisers and seeds, credit facilities, and mechanisation incentives aim to reduce farmers’ burdens. Youth-targeted initiatives like back to the land also seek to revitalise the sector by encouraging young people to pursue agricultural careers.
However, sustainable growth in agriculture cannot be achieved through policies alone. A fundamental shift in execution is necessary. While the private sector is positioned as the engine of agricultural development, its success depends on a stable, transparent, and supportive environment. Historically, the inconsistency in policy implementation and inadequate monitoring has eroded trust and discouraged investments in the sector. As a result, promising programmes have fizzled out, leaving farmers without the long-term support they need.
Furthermore, ecological specialisation, which involves leveraging each region’s unique natural strengths, remains largely underexplored. Nigeria’s vast and diverse landscape offers a unique opportunity for specialised crop and livestock production. However, this potential remains untapped due to the lack of targeted regional strategies and the need for effective technology transfer from research institutions to farmers.
Additionally, there is an urgent need for robust rural infrastructure. Many farmers face challenges such as poor road networks, limited storage facilities, and inefficient marketing systems, which plague them and lead to post-harvest losses and reduced profitability. Producing more is not enough—farmers must be able to store, transport, and competitively market their produce.
Looking ahead, a collaborative effort is important among various stakeholders in the agricultural sector. The federal, state, and local governments must harmonise their roles, while the private sector should be further empowered to drive innovation. Consistent policy implementation over the promised 15-year period is non-negotiable. Also, ensuring research findings are quickly disseminated to farmers through extension services can accelerate productivity.
Reviving agriculture must be viewed as a long-term objective rather than a temporary initiative. With Nigeria’s increasing population and the growing challenges posed by climate change, establishing a resilient agricultural sector is essential for food security and maintaining economic stability. The era of half-hearted intervention has passed. Now is the moment to build a sustainable agricultural future—one where policies are well-intentioned and well-executed.
