ABUJA, NIGERIA — Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector have called on the Federal Government to urgently address insecurity and expand youth participation in farming, warning that persistent challenges continue to threaten national food security.
The concerns were raised on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m., during a stakeholders’ policy dialogue held at a conference centre in Abuja, where industry players, experts, and policymakers gathered to assess the state of agriculture and propose reforms.
Participants at the forum identified insecurity as one of the most critical threats facing agricultural productivity across the country. They noted that frequent attacks on farming communities, particularly in rural areas, have forced many farmers to abandon their fields, reducing food output and disrupting supply chains.
In addition to insecurity, stakeholders highlighted low purchasing power among Nigerians as a major factor affecting food access and affordability. They explained that rising inflation and economic pressures have made it increasingly difficult for households to afford basic food items, further worsening the country’s food crisis.
The discussion also focused on weak agricultural value chains, which continue to limit productivity and profitability within the sector. Experts pointed out that inadequate storage facilities, poor transportation networks, and limited access to processing infrastructure have contributed to significant post-harvest losses and reduced market efficiency.
Stakeholders stressed the need for targeted government interventions to strengthen the entire agricultural ecosystem, from production to distribution. They called for increased investment in modern farming techniques, improved rural infrastructure, and policies that support smallholder farmers.
Youth inclusion emerged as a major theme during the dialogue, with participants urging the government to create incentives that attract young people into agriculture. They argued that the sector holds significant potential for job creation and economic growth but remains underutilised due to lack of access to finance, training, and modern technology.
Speakers at the event emphasized that empowering young farmers through education, grants, and innovation hubs could transform agriculture into a more productive and sustainable sector. They noted that without deliberate efforts to involve youth, the future of food production in Nigeria remains uncertain.
The stakeholders also called for stronger collaboration between government agencies, private sector players, and development partners to implement long-term solutions that address structural weaknesses in the sector.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with rising food prices and supply shortages, analysts say addressing insecurity, strengthening value chains, and promoting youth participation will be critical to achieving sustainable food security and economic stability in the coming years.
