As Nigeria steps into 2026, farmers and key stakeholders across the agricultural sector have laid out a definitive roadmap for the government. Their goal is to build upon the successes of 2025 and fundamentally transform the nation's food production landscape. The collective call is for both Federal and state governments to demonstrate greater sincerity by creating a truly enabling environment for farming.
Core Demands for a Productive 2026
The farmers' agenda is comprehensive and action-oriented. They are urging authorities to provide adequate funding directly to genuine farmers and supply hybrid seeds compatible with Nigeria's diverse climates and soils. A major point of emphasis is the need to curb massive post-harvest losses through the provision of modern storage and processing facilities. This value addition, they argue, is crucial for boosting export potential.
Mr. Waheed Olojede, a farmer from Imeko in Ogun State, stressed the need for land security. He called on state governors to provide farmers with titled lands to ensure states can achieve food abundance. At the federal level, he proposed the construction of new farm estate settlements in all 774 local government areas and the revitalization of existing ones.
"As the world improves, so also are technologies for agriculture evolving," Olojede stated. He listed critical needs: modern tools, processing facilities, a strengthened commodities exchange board, the appointment of real farmers as advisers, and modern irrigation systems. He lamented that with proper support for farmers, Nigeria should have no business with the current high cost of food, which has forced many to desperate measures.
Infrastructure and Industrialization: The Path to Security
Echoing the need for structural change, Duro Kuteyi, CEO of Spectra Industries Limited, advocated for a 'one local government, one industry' policy. He explained that each council should establish industries based on locally available raw materials, a move that would create jobs and reduce poverty nationally.
Kuteyi was particularly critical of the poor infrastructure in the Southwest, blaming regional governors for neglecting road networks vital for farmers. "Take for example the road network from Ibadan to Ife, it’s a write-off. From Ife to Ilesa to Akure to Ado-Ekiti is also not good," he decried. He questioned why governors have not collectively invited the Minister of Works to address the situation.
He further emphasized that lasting food security is impossible without agro-processing. "If I buy yam and keep it, how long will it last? But if it’s processed, it can last for two years. Cassava garri can last for three years. With that, the price will not go up," Kuteyi explained. He also urged protection for SMEs from foreign competition and reduced import levies on machinery.
Empowering the Rural Farmer
Mr. Kazeem Lamidi, a cassava farmer and processor operating in Kajola, Ogun State, and Ibarapa, Oyo State, focused on practical support for rural farmers. He called for efforts to be channeled into subsidized mechanization and irrigation services.
"They are in need of feeder roads, rural storage, access to markets and affordable farm inputs that will ease their operations," Lamidi said. He also highlighted the need to strengthen extension services and facilitate easier access to credit to increase productivity.
Lamidi concluded with a powerful reminder to all citizens: "Every wrap of fufu, tuwo, or amala comes from the sweat of a farmer. The least we can do is say thank you. The best we can do is to ensure that crashing food prices don’t crush the very people feeding the nation." For these farmers, 2026 represents a pivotal opportunity for the government to correct past mistakes and finally prioritize the sector that feeds the country.
