In a series of interviews conducted on Wednesday in Lagos, leaders of prominent farmers’ associations in Nigeria expressed a mix of commendation and concern regarding the Federal Government’s efforts to stabilize food prices since the previous year. While acknowledging the administration’s strides in curbing food inflation, they emphasized the urgent need for improved welfare, better infrastructure, and a more supportive environment for local farmers to ensure sustainable food security and agricultural productivity across the country.
Mr. Femi Oke, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) for the Southwest and Lagos State, praised the government’s initiatives but called for stronger, farmer-centric policies to bolster productivity. He noted that the prices of some food commodities have slightly decreased, attributing this to measures implemented by the current administration. “Looking at the food sector itself, we can say prices of commodities slightly went down. This was because the present administration was able to take some measures,” Oke stated. Among these measures, he highlighted the introduction of import waivers by the President, alongside other interventions that helped reduce the cost of certain food items.
However, Oke expressed concern that the reliance on food imports to achieve price stability undermines the sustainability of local farming. “We farmers are not too happy, because we cannot sustain the food sector through imports,” he said. He argued that excessive importation threatens the livelihoods of local farmers and fails to address the root challenges facing the agricultural sector. Instead, Oke advocated for policies that prioritize the provision of critical farm inputs, such as fertilizers, seeds, and equipment, to enhance productivity. He also emphasized the need for infrastructure improvements, particularly the development of rural roads to facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce. “Provision of farm inputs, opening rural roads, and creating an enabling environment will enhance productivity and ensure food security across the country,” he explained.
Oke further urged state governors to collaborate closely with farmers’ associations to address critical challenges, such as the poor condition of rural roads that hinders the movement of produce from farms to markets. He also called for the revival of abandoned farm extension offices, which once played a vital role in providing technical support and training to farmers. “The state governors should align with farmers, particularly heads of farmers’ associations, so they can identify critical routes in bad condition affecting produce transportation,” Oke noted. By addressing these infrastructural and institutional gaps, he believes the government can create a more conducive environment for agricultural growth.
Similarly, Mr. Godwin Egbebe, the National Publicity Secretary of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), offered a nuanced assessment of the government’s achievements in the agricultural sector. He acknowledged that food prices have stabilized to some extent, stating, “Basically in the food sector, prices have gone down.” However, he described the situation as a double-edged sword, pointing out that while prices may appear stable, many Nigerians still lack the purchasing power to afford food. This paradox, according to Egbebe, highlights a deeper issue: the inability of local farmers to produce at optimal levels due to systemic challenges.
Egbebe explained that the poultry sector, for instance, has experienced significant setbacks. In the past, the industry often dealt with egg gluts—surpluses caused by high productivity. However, he noted that many poultry farmers have been forced out of business due to the high cost of inputs, such as feed and energy. “Presently, many farmers are out of business because of costly inputs, so gluts no longer occur,” he said. This reduction in production has led to food scarcity, undermining the benefits of price stability. Egbebe argued that while government-driven measures, such as import waivers, have contributed to lower prices, this stability is “artificial” because it does not reflect an increase in local production capacity.
He stressed the need for policies that empower farmers to return to active production. “Our farmers need to return to farming. We cannot rely on food import waivers,” Egbebe asserted. He called for sustainable interventions that address the root causes of low productivity, such as the high cost of inputs and lack of access to affordable credit. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of ensuring that government policies translate into tangible improvements for citizens. “Let people themselves testify to the impact of government policies on food, and not government declaring results when citizens cannot confirm them,” he said. This call for transparency underscores the need for policies that directly address the challenges faced by both farmers and consumers.
The concerns raised by Oke and Egbebe reflect broader issues within Nigeria’s agricultural sector, which remains a critical pillar of the nation’s economy. Despite the government’s efforts to stabilize food prices, the reliance on imports and the lack of adequate support for local farmers continue to hinder long-term food security. The high cost of inputs, poor rural infrastructure, and limited access to extension services have created a challenging environment for farmers, particularly smallholder farmers who form the backbone of the sector.
To address these challenges, experts suggest a multi-pronged approach. First, the government must prioritize investments in rural infrastructure, such as roads and irrigation systems, to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access. Second, subsidies or low-interest loans for farm inputs could help alleviate the financial burden on farmers, enabling them to scale up production. Third, reviving agricultural extension services would provide farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to adopt modern farming techniques, thereby boosting productivity.
Moreover, collaboration between federal and state governments, as well as partnerships with farmers’ associations, could ensure that policies are tailored to the specific needs of local communities. For instance, identifying and repairing critical rural roads, as suggested by Oke, would not only facilitate the transportation of produce but also reduce the cost of food in urban markets. Similarly, addressing the high cost of poultry feed, as highlighted by Egbebe, could help revive the poultry sector and prevent further job losses.
The call for increased support for local farmers comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with rising food inflation and economic challenges. While import waivers and other short-term measures have provided some relief, they are not a sustainable solution. Long-term strategies that empower local farmers, enhance productivity, and improve access to markets are essential for achieving food security and economic stability.
In conclusion, while farmers’ associations have commended the Federal Government for its efforts to stabilize food prices, they remain critical of the overreliance on imports and the lack of adequate support for local agriculture. Leaders like Oke and Egbebe have called for policies that prioritize farmers’ welfare, improve rural infrastructure, and revive critical agricultural services. By addressing these challenges, the government can create a more resilient and sustainable food system that benefits both farmers and consumers, ensuring that food security becomes a reality for all Nigerians.