Experts Propose Engineering Solutions to Overcome Nigeria's Food System Challenges
Leaders in Nigeria's agriculture sector have been strongly advised to embrace smart engineering innovations, which hold the potential to transform the nation's food system from a state of scarcity to one of security. This call was made by Olushola Bolaji, an Associate Professor of Food Process and Engineering at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, during a recent event in Lagos.
Key Challenges in Nigeria's Food System
Bolaji highlighted several critical issues plaguing Nigeria's food system. He pointed to the rapidly growing population, widespread poverty, and the alarming loss of approximately 40 percent of agricultural produce each year due to inadequate storage facilities. Additionally, he noted that about 60 percent of arable lands in the country remain uncultivated, representing a significant untapped resource for food production.
Other major challenges include Nigeria spending around $75 billion annually on food imports, despite having substantial local production potential. This situation is linked to poor food supply chains, weak infrastructure, and insufficient technological deployment and adoption. Low crop yields further exacerbate the problem, with about 70 percent of Nigeria's farmers being smallholders who account for 90 percent of agricultural output but often lack access to modern tools and techniques.
Engineering Solutions for Food Security
Speaking at the investiture of Mr. Babatunde James as the 10th chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Victoria Island branch, Bolaji emphasized the need for leaders to massively integrate mechanized agriculture, smart irrigation systems, post-harvest technologies, and agro-industrial processing. These measures, he argued, are essential to make food available, affordable, stable, and accessible to all Nigerians.
Bolaji explained that Africa can significantly increase food production and reduce losses by strengthening food supply chains through engineering interventions. He stated that the food system is at the mercy of engineers, who are expected to develop smart solutions to tackle challenges across the food production value-chain. "Food security requires a collaborative effort of all stakeholders: academia, industry, and professional associations, with a conscious effort to deploy technological solutions and innovations strategically and intentionally," he said.
He added, "The science of food security is the science of survival. This is not just possible without engineering intervention and solutions; engineering solutions drive the survival of humankind. We need to take advantage of all the resources we have to provide solutions to Africa's food system." Bolaji also cautioned that not all technologies should be copied and applied indiscriminately; instead, focus should be on those relevant to solving local problems. While developing technologies may be costly initially, he noted that commercialization can make them more affordable over time.
Commitment from Engineering Leadership
In his speech, the new NSE chairman, Babatunde James, affirmed that the branch will actively promote sustainable engineering solutions and encourage innovation to address Nigeria's unique development challenges, including those related to the food system. He pledged the branch's readiness to provide technical expertise and practical solutions aimed at delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure for the nation.
James assured support for research initiatives, promotion of local technological solutions, and encouragement of modern engineering practices that drive economic growth. "Engineering is far more than a profession; it is a public trust. Every road we design, every bridge and building, power system we install, and water infrastructure we develop has a direct impact on the lives and well-being of the people. As engineers, we are custodians of public safety, drivers of innovation, and partners in national development," he stated.
He outlined plans to enhance professional excellence and ethical practice, youth development and mentorship, industry collaboration, and policy engagement. James acknowledged that engineers are central to progress, from power plants and digital technologies to emerging innovations like artificial intelligence and wireless communication systems.
Broader Support and Collaboration
Earlier at the event, the President of NSE, Ali Rabiu, charged the new executives to open new opportunities for growth and improve the professional visibility of engineers. Represented by a member of the national executive, Mr. Ayotunde Ogunnaiki, Rabiu pledged commitment to strengthening collaboration among professionals, industry, and the government.
In a remark, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard Limited (NDL), emphasized the crucial role of collaboration in tackling challenges. He noted that solving industry problems requires a 'win-win' mindset rather than a capitalist mentality. Shehu highlighted that the Naval Dockyard is not divorced from food production, as professionals there specialize in providing fishing equipment and adding value to industries and the country. He assured readiness to provide training for young engineers to advance their competence.
