By Adeniyi Adedoyin
A member of the House of Representatives, representing Yewa North/Imeko/Afon Federal Constituency of Ogun State, Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka has called on government at all levels in the country to pay close attention to agriculture for the growth and sustainable development of the country.
Isiaka, made the call in a lecture, he
delivered at the 26th Annual Lecture Series and 27th Global Convention
of the Alumni Association of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) titled, "The Trajectory of Building an Agro-prosperous and
Zero Hunger Nation," held at the institution's Senate Chamber.
He noted that "with the right policies, investments, and collaborations, agricultural prosperity is within reach in Nigeria.
He said, "agriculture is not just a business, it is a way of life. It’s the backbone of our economy and the foundation of our security. Hence, we must pay close attention to its growth and sustainable development not only for our time but for the benefit of future generations".
"Agriculture contributes approximately 23% to Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product and employs nearly 70% of our workforce. Our nation has been blessed with extraordinary agricultural endowments: 84 million hectares of arable land stretching across diverse agro-ecological zones, from the rich savannas of the North to the fertile rainforests of the south. Our water resources are
abundant, with major rivers like the Niger and Benue creating vast irrigation opportunities. Our
climate supports year-round farming in many regions, and our soil conditions can sustain a wide
variety of crops".
Speaking on the negative effects of insecurity on Nigeria's agriculture and food production, Isiaka, disclosed that approximately 800,000 hectares of farmland have been abandoned by farmers across the Middle Belt region of the country due to insecurity, describing the development as worrisome, considering the growing population of the country.
He lamented that the country is at a critical stage in its agricultural development, particularly in the areas of persistent food insecurity and farmers’ vulnerability.
Isiaka acknowledged the need to address the major challenges to reduce their negative impact on agricultural productivity by implementing multifaceted approaches, such as the establishment of designated ranches for livestock rearing, which can mitigate conflicts between farmers and herders.
He also recommended a transparent and equitable land allocation system to resolve disputes and ensure farmers have access to secure land.
Isiaka said, “Nigeria is at a critical juncture in its agricultural development journey. Despite possessing vast arable land, abundant water resources, and a resilient farming population, our nation grapples with a striking paradox: immense agricultural potential existing alongside persistent food insecurity and farmer vulnerability.
“The stakes are unprecedented, with over 70 percent of our population dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. With our population projected to reach 400 million by 2050, the transformation of our agricultural sector is not just an economic imperative but a matter of national security.”
On the issue of agro-prosperity and zero hunger, Isiaka advocated for sustainable farming practices, enhanced infrastructure development, the integration of modern technology with traditional farming wisdom, improved food distribution, enhanced storage and preservation infrastructure, and targeted interventions for vulnerable populations as essential steps to be adopted.
In his keynote address, the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, said over 500,000 farmers were displaced from their farmlands between 2022 and 2024 due to insecurity.
Olawepo-Hashim, who spoke on the theme of the convention, “Rejuvenation and Building Prosperous Alumni in the Heart of National Economic Stagflation,” said, “Nigeria’s agricultural sector has vast opportunities but is limited by several issues, of which the latest and most urgent are rising insecurity on farmlands across the country and climate change. Between 2022 and 2024, over 500,000 farmers were displaced due to insecurity, leading to a loss of over N2 trillion, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
“In the Middle Belt, a study revealed a drop of over 70% in farming activities, leading to shortages in maize and yam production.”
The Global President of the FUNAAB Alumni Association, Bolaji Gbadamosi, said the Association had acquired 2,000 acres of land for an Alumni Farm as part of efforts to promote food sufficiency.
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