By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
Nigeria’s persistent rise in food inflation, despite signs of easing headline inflation, has once again highlighted deep structural weaknesses in the country’s agricultural sector. A Senior Economist at the World Bank, Dr. Adetunji Oredipe, says the problem is not a lack of policies but failures in execution, coordination, and sustained funding.
Speaking during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, on Tuesday, Oredipe noted that Nigeria’s agricultural crisis has moved beyond policy formulation to the challenge of translating existing frameworks into tangible outcomes.
According to him, agriculture remains central to three key national objectives: food security, foreign exchange generation, and job creation. However, he stressed that Nigeria has struggled to achieve these goals despite numerous policy frameworks.
“Agricultural policy in Nigeria has come a long way. We are not lacking ideas or documentation. What we need now is to move from plans to results, because the outcomes are not matching expectations,” he said.
Oredipe explained that successive governments have introduced various agricultural programmes, but inconsistency in implementation and weak coordination have hindered long-term impact. While different administrations may adopt varying approaches, he maintained that the core objectives of feeding the population, generating income, and creating jobs should remain constant.
ATA Gains Undermined by Funding Constraints
Reflecting on the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) introduced under former Agriculture Minister Akinwunmi Adesina, Oredipe acknowledged its significant achievements but noted that inadequate funding and weak continuity limited its sustainability.
He explained that the programme successfully introduced innovations such as the e-wallet system, which enabled farmers to access inputs like seeds and fertilizers directly. The initiative also reached about 14 million farmers nationwide with verified data.
Despite these gains, he said sustaining such масштаб required consistent funding and political will, which dwindled under subsequent administrations.
Structural Gaps Persist in Farmer Organisation
Oredipe also pointed to structural inefficiencies, particularly the poor organisation of farmers, as a major constraint. While acknowledging the impact of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme supported by the Central Bank of Nigeria, he said the agricultural system remains fragmented.
He stressed the need for better aggregation of farmers into organised groups to improve access to markets and attract investment.
“If farmers are properly organised, it becomes easier for investors and buyers to engage with them at scale instead of dealing with scattered individual producers,” he said.
Insecurity Worsening Agricultural Challenges
On insecurity, Oredipe warned that the situation has evolved beyond farmer-herder clashes into a broader national crisis. He noted that kidnapping and other forms of criminality now pose a significant threat to agricultural productivity and investment.
According to him, the scale of insecurity is driven by a mix of political, economic, and criminal factors, making it a major obstacle to national development.
Ogun State Shows Promise in Mechanisation
Assessing subnational efforts, Oredipe commended Ogun State’s investment in mechanisation and farmer support initiatives. He highlighted the establishment of tractor service centres, including one around Ijebu Ode, which have helped farmers reduce the high cost of land preparation.
Such interventions, he said, demonstrate how targeted policies can improve productivity at the state level.
Global Shocks and Local Pressures
Oredipe also linked Nigeria’s agricultural challenges to global disruptions, including the Russia-Ukraine war, which affected food systems worldwide. He noted that such shocks inevitably impact local economies, compounding existing structural issues.
Supply-Side Solution to Food Prices
On rising food prices, the economist supported supply-driven interventions rather than price controls. He explained that increasing the volume of food in the market remains the most effective way to reduce prices.
“When supply increases, prices naturally adjust. It is a basic principle of supply and demand,” he said, while noting that policies must also balance the interests of both producers and consumers.
Funding Gap and Policy Priorities
Oredipe revealed that Nigeria continues to underinvest in agriculture, with budgetary allocations hovering between 4 and 5 percent—well below the recommended 10 percent benchmark.
He attributed this gap partly to competing priorities, particularly rising security expenditures, which have diverted resources from agricultural development.
Livestock Reform and Sector Efficiency
Defending recent livestock reforms, including the creation of a dedicated ministry and proposals such as RUGA settlements, Oredipe described them as necessary steps to improve efficiency and reduce conflicts.
He argued that modernising livestock production would enhance productivity, reduce losses, and contribute to better nutrition and economic inclusion.
Youth, Technology, and the Future
Looking ahead, Oredipe emphasised the need to attract young people into agriculture through innovation and digitalisation. He said modernising the sector would make it more appealing and economically viable for Nigeria’s youthful population.
“We must make agriculture more attractive and relevant to young people by embracing technology and new systems that deliver value,” he said.
He concluded that Nigeria’s agricultural challenges are not rooted in a lack of ideas but in the failure to sustain and effectively implement them, stressing that consistent funding, strong institutions, and coordinated execution remain critical to reversing the trend of rising food inflation.
