FG Urged to Remove All Encumbrances on Farm Lands to Enhance Food Production
As Nigeria’s farming season approaches, stakeholders in the agricultural sector have once again raised concerns over the insecurity plaguing the nation’s food production hubs. Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), has urged the federal government to take decisive action in removing all encumbrances restricting access to farmlands.
Speaking during a media chat to mark his fourth year in office, Prof. Iwe emphasized that insecurity in food-producing regions—especially in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central—has hindered farmers from accessing their lands. He identified terrorist activities as a major factor contributing to the nation’s ongoing food crisis, stating that if farmers remain disconnected from their fields, Nigeria’s goal of achieving food self-sufficiency will remain elusive.
The agricultural expert further stressed the importance of adopting smart agriculture as a sustainable way to mitigate food shortages. Encouraging citizens to cultivate crops within home gardens, he called for a shift in mindset toward producing and consuming locally grown food to reduce dependence on imports. According to him, Nigeria’s food insecurity stems not just from external challenges but also from a lack of collective consciousness to solve the problem.
Beyond food security, the Vice-Chancellor addressed legislative concerns regarding the status of MOUAU. He opposed the proposed transition of the university from a specialized agricultural institution to a conventional university, arguing that such a move would undermine its mandate to drive agricultural innovation and research in the South-East.
Source- ThisDayLive
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
Prof. Iwe’s call for securing farmlands is timely and critical. The escalating food inflation in Nigeria can largely be attributed to disruptions in agricultural activities caused by insecurity. Without access to farmlands, productivity declines, supply chains weaken, and market prices soar—ultimately placing food beyond the reach of millions of Nigerians.
For agri-food investors and stakeholders, this underscores the urgent need for policy interventions that prioritize security in food-producing regions. Government agencies must deploy specialized security measures to safeguard rural farming communities, ensuring that farmers can return to production without fear of attacks.
Moreover, the call for smart agriculture presents an opportunity for agritech firms, cooperatives, and urban farmers to scale up home-based food production systems, such as hydroponics, vertical farming, and greenhouse cultivation. These innovations can bridge food supply gaps while reducing pressure on large-scale farming operations.
Finally, the advocacy for local food consumption aligns with broader strategies for import substitution and food sovereignty. Encouraging Nigerians to embrace locally produced foods will not only strengthen domestic agribusinesses but also reduce foreign exchange expenditures on food imports.
Key Takeaways for Stakeholders
- Security First – The government must prioritize the safety of farmers to restore agricultural productivity.
- Smart Agriculture – Home and urban farming should be encouraged as a complementary strategy for food security.
- Policy Advocacy – Agri-food stakeholders should engage policymakers to ensure the sustained focus on agricultural self-sufficiency.
- Market Development – Strengthening local food markets and value chains can drive economic growth and reduce dependence on imports.
If Nigeria is to overcome its food security challenges, a multi-stakeholder approach involving government, private sector players, and smallholder farmers will be required. Addressing insecurity while promoting innovative agricultural solutions will be pivotal in ensuring long-term food sustainability for the nation.
