FAO and NESG Call for Reforms to Solve Nigeria’s Food Security Challenges

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) have called for significant policy reforms to tackle Nigeria’s food security crisis.

During a high-level meeting, FAO Nigeria Country Representative Dominique Koffy Kouacou led deliberations on innovative approaches to ensure food accessibility, affordability, and availability. The discussions addressed crucial hurdles in the agricultural sector, including market access, supply chain inefficiencies, and the increasing effects of climate change on food production.

Kouacou highlighted the urgent need for stronger partnerships between public and private entities, as well as international collaborations, to enact reforms and invest in advanced farming practices. Priority areas identified include promoting climate-smart agriculture, upgrading agricultural infrastructure, and integrating modern technology to enhance productivity.

The FAO and NESG pledged to deepen their collaboration through advocacy, farmer support, and capacity-building initiatives for agribusinesses. They emphasized that this partnership aims to boost sustainable agricultural growth, drive economic transformation, and secure Nigeria’s food future.

“This partnership marks a significant step forward in addressing one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, demonstrating the power of collaboration in creating lasting impact,” noted a statement by NESG.

As of late 2024, about 24.8 million Nigerians faced food insecurity, with projections suggesting the number could rise to 33 million by August 2025, according to a joint report from the Nigerian government and the United Nations.