Paragraph 1: The Call for Modernization in Nigerian Agriculture
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has issued a clarion call to stakeholders in the Nigerian agricultural sector, urging them to embrace technology and information technology as catalysts for modernization and growth. This appeal underscores the urgent need to transform agriculture from its current state into a vibrant, attractive, and lucrative enterprise. The LCCI Agric Symposium 2025, held in Lagos, served as a platform for industry leaders and policymakers to deliberate on strategies to achieve this crucial objective. The consensus was that Nigerian agriculture must be repositioned to align with global best practices, leveraging technological advancements to enhance productivity, efficiency, and profitability.
Paragraph 2: Reframing the Image of Agriculture
A key theme that emerged from the symposium was the need to revamp the image of agriculture in Nigeria. Tunde Banjoko, Chairman of the LCCI Agricultural and Allied Group, emphasized the importance of shifting perceptions of farming from a laborious, low-status activity to a modern, technologically driven profession. He echoed President Bola Tinubu’s sentiment that agriculture should be seen as a “sexy” and desirable career path. By showcasing the potential for success through the adoption of technology, such as drones and tractors, the sector can attract a new generation of young, tech-savvy entrepreneurs. This image makeover is essential for attracting the youth and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector.
Paragraph 3: Addressing Persistent Challenges
Despite the immense potential of Nigerian agriculture, several challenges continue to hinder its progress. Banjoko highlighted issues such as limited access to funding, inadequate mechanization, and a shortage of quality seedlings as persistent obstacles faced by farmers. These challenges underscore the need for targeted interventions and policy reforms to create an enabling environment for agricultural growth. Access to finance is crucial for farmers to invest in modern equipment and technology, while improved access to quality inputs, such as seedlings, can significantly enhance productivity.
Paragraph 4: Government Initiatives and Reforms
The Lagos State government has taken proactive steps to address the challenges facing agriculture. Emmanuel Audu, representing the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, outlined the state’s ongoing reforms, including the Lagos State Food Systems Transformation Agenda. This initiative aims to modernize food markets and establish agro-produce hubs, such as the Lagos Food Security Systems and Register Hub at Ketu. These hubs are designed to reduce post-harvest losses, a major contributor to high food prices, and stabilize food prices throughout the year. The goal is to cut post-harvest losses by at least 25% within three years, down from the current 50% in the agricultural value chain.
Paragraph 5: Supporting Farmers and Guaranteeing Markets
Recognizing the importance of market access for farmers, the Lagos State government has launched the Produce for Lagos Programme, backed by substantial funding of approximately N500 billion. This program aims to provide farmers with an assured market for their produce, thereby encouraging increased production and investment in the sector. By guaranteeing offtake, the government aims to instill confidence in financial institutions to lend to farmers, knowing that there is a ready market for their produce. This initiative effectively addresses the challenge of access to finance and provides farmers with much-needed security.
Paragraph 6: Transforming Perceptions and Embracing Technology
Abimbola Olashore, Vice President of the LCCI, emphasized the crucial need to shift the perception of agriculture from a poverty-driven activity to a viable and profitable business. Despite being the largest contributor to Nigeria’s GDP and the biggest employer of labor, agriculture is often associated with poverty. Olashore highlighted the success stories of individuals who have amassed wealth through agribusiness ventures like cocoa and palm oil production, demonstrating the sector’s untapped potential. He stressed the importance of adopting modern technology, scaling up operations, reducing post-harvest losses, and adding value to agricultural products to enhance yields and competitiveness. Ultimately, the LCCI Agric Symposium 2025 served as a platform to advocate for the modernization of Nigerian agriculture, emphasizing the vital role of technology, government support, and a shift in societal perceptions in unlocking the sector’s full potential. The symposium focused on repositioning agriculture as a modern, profitable sector by addressing value chains, reducing losses, and promoting logistics and export competitiveness, setting the stage for a more prosperous and sustainable future for Nigerian agriculture.
