Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged the federal government to reform Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He emphasized that such reforms are crucial to achieving food security and driving economic growth. Obi made this call during the Sahel Food Systems Changemakers Conference 2025 held in Abuja.
Nigeria’s Untapped Agricultural Potential
Obi, who was a keynote speaker at the conference themed “Designing for Legacy: Building Resilient and Impact-Driven Food Systems,” said Nigeria’s agricultural potential remains largely untapped. He noted that the nation’s fertile land and human resources can feed its population and even supply other nations.
“No Nigerian should go to bed hungry,” he stated. “Nigeria, blessed with vast arable land and human capital, should not be among the hungriest countries in the world. Instead, we should be self-sufficient and exporting.”
Comparing Nigeria and Bangladesh
To drive home his point, Obi compared Nigeria’s situation to that of Bangladesh. He said Bangladesh, with a landmass of about 148,600 square kilometres roughly the size of Nigeria’s two largest states, Niger and Borno produces nearly ten times more rice than Nigeria.
He blamed the difference on misplaced priorities and weak leadership, not lack of capacity. Obi argued that with proper investment, Nigeria could become a major agricultural exporter and reduce its heavy reliance on food imports.
Agriculture as Nigeria’s Economic Lifeline
Obi stressed that Nigeria can earn more revenue from agriculture than from oil if it adopts the right policies and improves rural infrastructure. He pointed out that other developing nations have transformed their economies through focused agricultural reforms.
“For Nigeria to rise, we must move from consumption to production, from dependency to productivity, and from rhetoric to action,” he said. “Our farmers, entrepreneurs, and innovators are ready. The government must simply create the enabling environment.”
A Vision for a Productive Nigeria
Obi called for increased investment in irrigation, mechanization, and storage systems to reduce waste and increase yields. He said Nigeria’s progress depends on empowering farmers and building resilient food systems that can withstand both economic and climate challenges.
He ended his address with optimism, saying, “A new Nigeria is possible.” According to him, a productive, food-secure nation is within reach if leaders and citizens work together with integrity and vision.
Conclusion
Peter Obi’s remarks highlight the urgent need for Nigeria to rethink its agricultural strategy. By moving from consumption to production and enforcing strong policy implementation, the country can unlock its potential. With the right reforms, Nigeria could become a global agricultural powerhouse and ensure a secure future for its people.
