Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has urged the government to take immediate action to restore peace in farming communities affected by insecurity. He made this call at the 2026 AgriConnectX Summit in Lagos, highlighting the negative impact of insecurity on the country's food production capacity. Obasanjo emphasized that the government must address this challenge to enable farmers to cultivate food peacefully.
Obasanjo noted that insecurity and agribusiness are incompatible, and it's the government's responsibility to ensure farmers' safety. He stated that some farmers have abandoned their farms due to insecurity, while others continue to produce crops in fear of being attacked. The former president stressed that the government must create a secure environment for farmers to produce food adequately and at reasonable prices.
The Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, also delivered a keynote address at the summit, emphasizing the need for the right infrastructure to support agricultural systems. He noted that policy inconsistencies in the agricultural sector weaken investor confidence, erode trust, and wipe out investments. Sanusi stated that flooding the market with cheap imported food may benefit consumers in the short term but is detrimental to producers and investors.
Sanusi further highlighted the consequences of policy inconsistencies, citing the example of billions of wealth being wiped out due to a lack of confidence in the system. He emphasized that it will take time to regain the trust of investors and encourage them to return to the sector. The Emir's remarks underscored the need for a stable and supportive policy environment to promote agricultural development.
Temire Bob-Egbe, Co-Founder of AgriConnectX and Convener of the event, outlined the organization's goals. He stated that AgriConnectX aims to close existing gaps in the agribusiness value chain by providing a platform for young people to access markets, training, mentorship, and grants to enable them to scale their agribusinesses.
The 2026 AgriConnectX Summit brought together stakeholders to discuss the challenges facing Nigeria's agricultural sector. The event provided a platform for experts, policymakers, and investors to share ideas and explore solutions to the country's food security challenges. The summit's discussions highlighted the need for a collaborative approach to address the sector's challenges.
The call for government intervention by Obasanjo and Sanusi underscores the urgency of addressing Nigeria's food security challenges. The country's agricultural sector requires a supportive policy environment, investment, and a stable security situation to ensure adequate food production. The government's response to these calls will be crucial in determining the sector's future and the country's ability to achieve food security.
Key points
- Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi call for government action to address insecurity affecting food production in Nigeria.
- Insecurity and policy inconsistencies hinder agricultural development and food security in Nigeria.
- AgriConnectX aims to close gaps in the agribusiness value chain, providing opportunities for young people to access markets, training, and funding.
