Nigeria’s ambition to eradicate hunger by 2030 is at serious risk unless the government implements urgent policy reforms and mobilises significant private sector investment in its food systems, experts have cautioned.
The warning came during a high-level Nutrition Dialogue held in Abuja, where stakeholders emphasized that achieving food security will require more than just public funding—it will demand a unified, strategic overhaul of Nigeria’s agri-food policies and infrastructure.
Investment-Friendly Reforms Are Key
Eyram Amovin-Assagba, Programme Officer for Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship at the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), stressed that attracting investments starts with creating the right policy environment.
“To reach the zero-hunger target by 2030, Nigeria needs to transform its food systems—and that won’t happen without the right policies and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),” he stated.
Amovin-Assagba emphasized that SMEs are central to inclusive development due to their direct connection with local communities. He called for robust support structures that prepare them for investment and innovation in agriculture.
Production Alone Isn’t Enough
Obinna Igwebuike, Coordinator of the Country Agribusiness Partnerships Framework (CAP-F), highlighted additional challenges beyond production—such as inadequate storage, distribution, and infrastructure gaps—that contribute to high food waste and ongoing hunger.
“We’re far from our goal. We must act urgently and bring in every stakeholder to ensure critical investments are made—not just to increase food production but also to enhance infrastructure and reduce post-harvest losses,” he said.
Igwebuike also pointed out that smallholder farmers, who produce around 80% of Nigeria’s food, must be prioritized in investment efforts. According to him, achieving food security cannot be left to government and international aid alone.
“The private sector has a vital role in building sustainable food systems that deliver nutrition and support human development.”
Nutrition as a Development Imperative
Samuel Oche, a Senior Land Resources Officer at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, underscored that nutrition should be viewed not just as a health concern, but as a cornerstone of national development.
“Millions of Nigerians—especially women, children, and vulnerable communities—still face the devastating effects of undernutrition,” he said.
He called for a multi-sectoral approach that integrates food production, education, health, and economic policy.
“We must align our strategies, coordinate resources, and commit to long-term policy consistency to make a real difference.”
Food Systems as Business Opportunities
Experts agreed that Nigeria’s agriculture sector holds massive investment potential. Whether it’s dairy, livestock, grains, or horticulture, agribusiness offers strong returns if guided by sound policy and implemented effectively.
CAP-F, Nigeria’s implementation arm for the Zero Hunger Pledge, is leading efforts to channel private capital into food systems, aiming to create a more resilient and nutrition-sensitive agricultural landscape.
