Nigeria, blessed with over 70 million hectares of arable land, a favorable climate, and a youthful population, holds immense potential to become a global leader in agriculture. Yet, this potential remains largely untapped due to issues like poor infrastructure, insecurity, policy inconsistencies, and most importantly—a lack of national unity. As the largest economy in Africa and the most populous nation on the continent, Nigeria has everything it takes to become an agricultural powerhouse. But unity among stakeholders—government, private sector, farmers, and the general populace—is the key to transforming the sector.
This blog explores how unity can play a transformative role in advancing Nigeria’s agricultural industry, ensuring food security, boosting exports, and positioning the country as a global leader in the agricultural value chain.
The Current State of Agriculture in Nigeria
Agriculture remains a significant part of Nigeria’s economy, employing more than 35% of the workforce and contributing around 25% to GDP (World Bank, 2023). Despite its role, Nigeria continues to import food worth billions of dollars annually. Poor mechanization, limited access to finance, weak infrastructure, and fragmented agricultural policies have held the sector back.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria imported over $1.8 billion worth of food in 2023. Crops like rice, wheat, and fish—foods Nigeria can produce locally—are top imports. This glaring contradiction calls for a unified, strategic response.
Read Also: Nigerian Cooperatives: Farming and Job Creation
Why Unity Matters in Agriculture
1. Unified National Policy Implementation
One of the greatest barriers to agricultural development in Nigeria is policy inconsistency. Every new administration introduces a new agricultural roadmap, disrupting long-term progress. A united national agricultural policy—developed and adopted by all tiers of government—will create stability, attract investment, and build trust among stakeholders.
2. Collaboration Between States and Regions
Agricultural production varies across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones due to diverse climates and soil types. Unity among states through regional agricultural cooperation can lead to the establishment of zonal agricultural clusters, where states share resources, research, and markets.
For example, the North Central zone can focus on rice and yam production, while the South-South can specialize in oil palm and aquaculture. A zonal specialization model, backed by mutual cooperation, can boost productivity and exports.
3. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
Private investment is crucial to modernizing Nigeria’s agriculture sector. A united front between government institutions and private investors can lead to massive infrastructure development in rural areas—such as farm roads, irrigation, storage facilities, and mechanized services.
Case Study: The NIRSAL (Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending) is a good example of how collaboration between the government and financial institutions can improve credit access for farmers.
4. Farmer Cooperatives and Unions
When smallholder farmers unite through cooperatives, they gain stronger bargaining power, access to bulk inputs at lower prices, and better access to credit. Cooperative farming models reduce waste, improve logistics, and enhance market access.
Unity among farmers also strengthens advocacy for government support, land rights, and better policy implementation.
The Role of Technology and Innovation
1. Digital Agriculture Platforms
Digital platforms like FarmCrowdy, Thrive Agric, and AgroMall are using technology to unite farmers, investors, and suppliers. These platforms offer access to markets, finance, and inputs, especially for youth interested in agritech.
2. Unified Agricultural Data Systems
The lack of centralized, accurate data on farming activities hinders planning and investment. A national agricultural database, accessible by all stakeholders, will drive evidence-based policy-making and help identify opportunities for growth.
How Unity Can Solve Key Agricultural Challenges
| Challenge | How Unity Helps |
|---|---|
| Land Access | Unified land reform among states can simplify access |
| Insecurity | Joint state-federal action can secure farming communities |
| Poor Infrastructure | PPPs can fund roads, storage, and irrigation systems |
| Climate Change | Regional cooperation on climate-smart agriculture |
| Youth Unemployment | Unified programs on agripreneurship and training |
Nigeria’s Global Potential in Agriculture
1. Export Opportunities
Nigeria can become a global supplier of key products like cocoa, sesame, ginger, cashew, and palm oil. These crops are in high demand in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
To achieve this, unity among regulatory agencies like NAFDAC, SON, and Customs is essential to simplify export procedures, enforce quality standards, and reduce delays.
2. Food Security and Self-Sufficiency
By aligning state and federal food security programs, Nigeria can reduce its reliance on imports and build buffer stock systems for rice, maize, and legumes.
3. Leadership in Africa
Through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Nigeria can lead the continent in agricultural trade, becoming a hub for agribusiness, innovation, and food processing.
Read Also: Financial inclusion and economic growth in Nigeria
Call to Action: What Needs to Be Done
1. Establish a National Agricultural Unity Council (NAUC)
This council should include all stakeholders—state governments, farmers, private investors, research institutions, and youth groups. It would coordinate agricultural efforts and ensure a unified national vision.
2. Promote Regional Agricultural Cooperation
Encourage each geopolitical zone to develop its own agricultural development plan, aligned with national goals.
3. Strengthen Agricultural Education
Unity in curriculum development and training will ensure that agricultural graduates across Nigeria are job-ready and innovative.
4. Encourage Youth Participation
Government and NGOs must unite to create enabling environments for youth to see agriculture as profitable. This includes access to land, finance, training, and digital tools.
Conclusion
Unity is not just a moral or political concept—it is a powerful strategy for development. In agriculture, unity means integrated policy implementation, collaboration among regions, synergy between public and private sectors, and alignment between research and practice. If Nigeria can harness the strength of its diversity, agricultural transformation is not just possible—it is inevitable.
By uniting, Nigeria can feed itself, become a major food exporter, and assert itself as a global leader in agriculture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is unity important for agriculture in Nigeria?
Unity ensures coordinated efforts, prevents duplication of initiatives, and creates stronger networks among stakeholders. It’s essential for scaling agricultural progress across the country.
2. What are the benefits of regional agricultural cooperation?
Regional cooperation allows states to specialize in crops best suited to their climate, share resources, reduce costs, and improve overall productivity.
3. How can farmers benefit from unity?
Farmers gain collective bargaining power, better access to finance, and stronger advocacy when they form cooperatives or unions.
4. Can technology support unity in agriculture?
Yes. Platforms that connect farmers, suppliers, and buyers digitally foster trust, transparency, and shared progress.
5. What crops can Nigeria export competitively?
Cocoa, sesame seeds, cashew nuts, palm oil, ginger, and hibiscus are top export crops that have strong global demand.
References
- NIRSAL – Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending. https://www.nirsal.com
- FAO (2023). Food and Agriculture in Nigeria. https://www.fao.org/nigeria
- AfCFTA Official Site. https://au-afcfta.org
