Southwest takes steps to achieve Fed Govt’s food security agenda
The Federal Government’s push for food self-sufficiency has received a major boost as Commissioners of Agriculture from the six Southwest states—Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, and Ekiti—have intensified efforts to transform rural agricultural landscapes into modern food production hubs. This regional collaboration aims to strengthen local food production, enhance market integration, and ultimately reduce dependency on external food sources.
According to Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, the Southwest states recognize the need for an integrated approach to agricultural development. She emphasized the importance of investing in rural transformation, agricultural infrastructure, and human capacity to ensure sustainable food production. Lagos, in particular, is spearheading initiatives such as the Produce for Lagos Initiative and the Central Food Security and Logistics Hub to streamline food aggregation and reduce reliance on imports.
Osun State’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Otunba Babatola Faseru, also reaffirmed the commitment of the Southwest states to advancing the Federal Government’s food security plan. He highlighted ongoing efforts to distribute farm inputs, modernize infrastructure, and support value addition in agro-processing. The regional Commissioners have also agreed to hold periodic consultations to assess progress in food production, supply chain dynamics, and trade facilitation.
The renewed drive follows last year’s meeting of the Southwest Governors’ Forum, where concerns over food inflation led to the formation of a strategic task force, facilitated by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission. The forum emphasized the need for targeted interventions, including subsidized tractor services, improved irrigation systems, and better land management to boost productivity.
As part of their strategy, the Commissioners have increased support for livestock and poultry farming, providing critical inputs such as day-old chicks, feed, and piglets to boost production. These efforts align with the national vision of achieving food self-sufficiency by ensuring that essential commodities such as eggs, meat, dairy, and staple crops are produced in adequate quantities for domestic consumption.
Source- The Nation
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The Southwest’s regional collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural resilience. By aligning with the Federal Government’s food security agenda, these states are laying the groundwork for a more integrated and sustainable agricultural sector.
Key takeaways from this initiative include:
- Regional Market Integration: The Produce for Lagos Initiative positions Lagos as a major food aggregation hub, ensuring a structured market for farm produce from neighboring states. This model can be expanded nationwide to create a more efficient food distribution system.
- Infrastructure and Mechanization: The emphasis on modernizing rural areas, upgrading facilities, and addressing land-clearing challenges is critical. However, scaling up mechanization and irrigation infrastructure remains essential to achieving long-term productivity gains.
- Value Addition and Agro-Processing: Strengthening agro-processing facilities will not only enhance food preservation but also create employment opportunities and reduce post-harvest losses. Expanding financing options for agribusiness players in this space is crucial.
- Policy and Institutional Support: Sustained collaboration among the Commissioners, Governors, and the private sector will be key to ensuring the effective implementation of these initiatives. Regular policy reviews and targeted incentives can further accelerate progress.
- Addressing Food Inflation: While increasing production is crucial, tackling inflation requires a holistic approach that includes improving logistics, stabilizing farm input prices, and addressing security concerns that disrupt farming activities.
Moving forward, the success of this regional agricultural strategy will depend on continuous investment in rural development, stakeholder collaboration, and adaptive policies that respond to evolving market dynamics. The Southwest’s commitment to food security serves as a model that other regions in Nigeria can emulate to achieve national self-sufficiency and resilience in the agri-food sector.
