Time and again, we have harped on Nigeria’s past glory—when agriculture made the country economically viable through the use of hoes, cutlasses, and later oxen-driven ploughs, alongside livestock rearing and fishing in the 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s, before the commercialization of petroleum.
Those days are gone. We must realistically reappraise our current circumstances as a nation endowed with a large population, vast arable land, abundant groundwater, and a fairly substantial volume of seasonal and annual rainfall.
By deploying sound science and technology, adopting veritable agricultural production methodologies, and ensuring security alongside critical infrastructure—such as access to credit, energy, transportation, and sustainable marketing opportunities—we can grow Nigeria’s agribusiness potential to a globally competitive level.
If we view agribusiness as an inclusive business entity, much like China has done, our collective income can grow immensely, with shared prosperity and shared responsibility. I am not advocating for any Marxist-Leninist ideology, but rather for a disruptive, mixed, yet intrinsically inclusive Nigerian economy predicated on a survivalist model.
We must jointly evolve an Economics of Production (EOP) model tailored to each crop and its entire value chain, where Nigeria holds a comparative advantage. Producers should be encouraged to cluster around such value chains in order to optimize returns on investment (ROI). Economic growth often occurs in trickles.
However, when deliberately and consistently steered, it can overcome the many structural bottlenecks that impede progress. Sustainable growth, though challenging, is attainable—as demonstrated by China’s experience.
Some may dismiss these propositions as mere theory. However, I urge our thought leaders to add substance to these ideas and ensure their transparent and effective implementation. There are numerous examples worldwide of community-driven efforts that have evolved into remarkable success stories. These models demand focus, perseverance, and, above all, honesty.
This administration has had to take several difficult but necessary decisions, particularly regarding guided importation policies and price moderation or calibration of certain food items. Despite these measures, Nigerians continue to groan under economic hardship.
To make economic growth truly inclusive, we must support agribusiness on a grand scale by ensuring expanded and scalable agricultural productivity. Nigeria today is more unified than ever by a shared desire for sustainability—much like in the era of our founding fathers: the Sardaunan Sokoto, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and their contemporaries.
I hope that we concentrate on initiatives that will benefit and unite us as a people, thereby restoring our collective dignity.
Thank you.
Arc Ibrahim is the President of Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG).
