Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has called for an urgent and comprehensive transformation of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, asserting that true food security is only attainable when the entire value chain from seed to feed is fortified.
The Governor issued this charge during his keynote address at the Future of Agriculture Conference, hosted by BusinessDay Newspaper at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island.
A Call for Strategic Direction
Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, Sanwo-Olu characterized the gathering as a vital platform for action rather than mere talk. He noted that the timing is critical as soaring food prices and rising demand continue to strain the nation’s existing systems.
While acknowledging that Lagos is a primary consumer rather than a top producer, the Governor emphasized that the state’s stability is tied to the country’s overall agricultural health.
“The journey from seed to feed requires coordination, patience, and sustained effort,” Sanwo-Olu stated. “Get agriculture right, and many other national priorities naturally fall into place.”
Three Pillars of Transformation
To reshape the food landscape, the Governor outlined a three-pronged strategy focused on moving beyond traditional farming methods innovation for embracing modern technology, including precision farming and digital marketplaces, to maximize yields, partnerships to strengthen ties between private investors, researchers, and financial institutions to share the burden of development, and value chain development for shifting focus toward processing and storage to reduce waste.
Tackling Post-Harvest Challenges
A significant portion of the address focused on the hidden leaks in the system. The Governor described processing, storage, and transportation as being equally important as production itself. He argued that growing more food is futile if it rots before reaching the market.
Furthermore, he advocated for increased support for smallholder farmers, specifically through better access to credit and climate-smart agricultural tools to combat environmental unpredictability.
A Legacy of Dialogue
Closing the address, Sanwo-Olu lauded BusinessDay Newspaper for its two decades of economic leadership. He challenged the stakeholders in attendance to move past rhetoric and establish clear commitments that would lead to measurable changes in how Nigeria feeds its citizens.
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