FAO Lists Steps to Revive Nigeria’s Agriculture Sector

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations says Nigeria’s agriculture sector can recover and support economic growth if key reforms are implemented in productivity, financing, and value chains.

Speaking at an economic forum in Lagos, FAO Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Hussein Gadain, said improving food security is critical to the country’s development. He warned that weak food systems continue to drive inflation, increase poverty, and create social risks.

He said climate change, insecurity in farming areas, and rising production costs have reduced output, while demand continues to grow with the population.

Despite these challenges, the FAO noted that Nigeria has strong potential for growth, with large arable land, diverse farming zones, and a wide domestic market. Agriculture contributes about 23 percent to the country’s GDP and provides livelihoods for over 70 percent of the population, mainly smallholder farmers.

However, the FAO said structural challenges still limit performance. Agricultural imports remain higher than exports, showing gaps in local production and processing. The agency called for more investment in staple crops and export commodities, and reduced reliance on imports such as wheat.

Key reform areas include climate-smart agriculture, stronger value chains, improved rural financing, better trade competitiveness, and enhanced security in farming communities.

The FAO also called for better access to inputs, mechanisation, and extension services to improve productivity. It stressed the need to reduce post-harvest losses through improved storage, processing, and transport systems.

The agency added that expanding access to finance and insurance would support investment, while increasing exports of products like cocoa, cashew, and cassava could boost foreign exchange earnings.

Gadain said stronger coordination between government, the private sector, and development partners is needed, along with reliable data systems.

He added that food security is linked to national stability, economic growth, and social development, and that consistent policies will be key to achieving long-term progress.a