Food crisis will linger for long in Nigeria – Agric Expert warns

Akin Olotu, an agriculture expert and former Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture to late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, has warned that Nigeria’s food crisis will persist due to economic instability, insecurity, and climate change. Speaking at an NUJ lecture in Akure, he urged the government to address pest infestations and other threats to agriculture. Olotu criticized agricultural research institutes for failing to warn farmers and confirmed the UN’s prediction that 82 million Nigerians could face hunger by 2030. He called for urgent action, including dedicating 24% of Ondo State’s 2025 budget to agriculture. Olotu highlighted the late Akeredolu’s efforts in cultivating 87,000 hectares of oil palm, which created over 30,000 jobs, and emphasized the need for a strategic plan to address the food shortage.
Source: DailyPost

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Akin Olotu’s recent warning highlights the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s ongoing food crisis, driven by economic instability, insecurity, and climate change. He emphasized the need for immediate government action to combat pest infestations and improve agricultural productivity. Olotu criticized agricultural research institutes for their lack of proactive measures and stressed the importance of setting concrete targets for food production. He proposed allocating 24% of Ondo State’s 2025 budget to agriculture to boost food security. Highlighting successful initiatives like the ‘Red Gold’ revolution, which created over 30,000 jobs, he underscored the potential of oil palm and other crops to reduce Nigeria’s heavy import dependence. This call to action underscores the need for strategic planning and increased investment to navigate and mitigate the food crisis effectively.