Nigeria agricultural stakeholders call for food sovereignty reforms

To mark World Food Day, agricultural stakeholders and organizations in Nigeria are calling for systemic reforms to enhance food security and sovereignty. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has launched the Nigeria Chapter of the World Food Forum to empower youth-led solutions and foster collaboration within the agrifood sector.

Experts are emphasizing the need for increased investment in modern storage, efficient supply chains, and agricultural technology to mitigate post-harvest losses. There is a strong push to prioritize indigenous food production and the protection of native seeds to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on food imports, which reached N7.6 trillion in 2025. Organizations like the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) have warned against the risks of monoculture and foreign seed dependence, advocating instead for agroecology and farmers' rights.

Additionally, sector leaders are calling for improved infrastructure, such as hatcheries and subsidized poultry feeds, to bolster local livestock production and ensure a more resilient, technology-driven food system.