By Peace Udugba
Nigeria’s renewed interest in agriculture is being driven more by economic pressure than by deliberate long-term planning, the Secretary General of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Otunba Dr Babafemi Oke, has said.
Oke noted that the country’s gradual return to farming is largely a response to declining crude oil revenue, rather than a structured national development agenda anchored on food security and sustainability.
Speaking on Sabenko, a Yoruba-language public affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, he explained that Nigeria was historically an agrarian nation before the discovery of crude oil shifted national focus away from agriculture.
According to him, the green-white-green national flag symbolises agriculture’s foundational role in Nigeria’s development—a role he said was largely abandoned during the oil boom years.
He said that although some progress has been recorded in recent years, the shift back to agriculture remains reactive rather than strategic, adding that previous administrations failed to sustain investments in the sector during periods of high petroleum revenue.
“We are now trying, unlike before, because crude oil sales are no longer as viable. We have gone back to farming. When petroleum was profitable, we neglected agriculture. But if we look at Nigeria’s history, we started with farming,” Oke said.
“Even the national flag reflects this—green stands for agriculture and white for peace. But since the oil boom, agriculture was neglected. It was only when oil revenue began to fluctuate that the government started returning to agriculture, especially during the Buhari administration. Thankfully, progress is being made,” he added.
Regional disparities, youth disengagement
Oke highlighted regional disparities in agricultural engagement, noting that northern Nigeria continues to show stronger participation due to consistent government support, while the South-West is only recently witnessing improvement.
He attributed the shift in the South-West to growing awareness and economic necessity, which are pushing more people into farming.
He recalled that in the past, the region struggled with the production of basic food items such as tomatoes and pepper but said there is now a gradual awakening among farmers, particularly among women and some youth groups.
Despite this progress, he identified low youth participation as a major challenge, noting that many graduates still prefer white-collar jobs over agriculture.
“It is true that in the South-West, people have not taken agriculture as seriously as in the North, where there is stronger government support. But things are changing. People are waking up, and we are seeing more commitment from farmers,” he said.
“Our youths are not fully engaged yet. Many graduates still prefer jobs in banks or oil companies, even those who studied agriculture. However, ongoing advocacy and economic realities are beginning to change this mindset, and we are seeing improvements,” he added.
Women, grassroots farmers driving growth
The AFAN scribe said women and grassroots farmers remain the backbone of agricultural production, especially in the South-West.
He noted that despite limited access to funding, inputs, and institutional support, women have continued to sustain farming activities.
According to him, AFAN has been advocating policies that prioritise women farmers, particularly in access to credit, markets, and agricultural resources.
“Our women in agriculture are doing remarkable work. That is why, when policies are being considered, we prioritise them alongside the youth.
Supporting women farmers will significantly boost food production and strengthen rural economies,” he said.
Land access remains a constraint
On land availability, Oke identified access as a major challenge but said AFAN has been engaging government authorities and traditional institutions to unlock unused land for farming.
He explained that the association negotiates with community leaders to secure land for agricultural use through collaborative arrangements rather than permanent acquisition
“We engage governments and traditional rulers—baales, kings, and chiefs—to make unused land available for farming. In some cases, arrangements are made to pay gradually. Over the past 15 years, this approach has yielded positive results,” he said.
Fertiliser subsidies, government support
Oke acknowledged government efforts to support farmers through subsidies and funding initiatives, particularly under the Nigeria Agricultural Development Fund
He said these interventions have improved access to fertilisers and reduced production costs.
“For instance, fertilisers that cost about ₦5,000 can now be accessed for around ₦2,500. Farmers are happy with this development,” he said.
He added that the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, has also pledged further support to farmers, including the distribution of fertilisers across states.
Rising food prices linked to transport costs
On food inflation, Oke attributed rising prices to high fuel costs and transportation challenges, which significantly affect the cost of moving farm produce to markets.
“If we cannot transport our produce ourselves and have to hire vehicles, the cost demanded by drivers often exceeds our profit margin. That is why food prices continue to rise,” he explained.
He lamented the increasing cost of basic food items, citing eggs as an example.
“This is the first time I am seeing a crate of eggs selling for as much as ₦5,000,” he said.
Oke called for more coordinated policies and sustained investment in agriculture to ensure long-term food security and economic stability.
