By Diana Tenebe

Nigeria, often dubbed the “Giant of Africa,” possesses immense agricultural potential. With vast arable land and a predominantly agrarian population, the nation could easily achieve food security and become a major player in global food markets. However, this promising future remains largely untapped, held hostage by two formidable challenges: pervasive insecurity and a severe deficit in rural infrastructure. Addressing these twin issues is not merely an economic imperative but a matter of national survival and prosperity.

The escalating insecurity across many parts of Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt, has dealt a crippling blow to agricultural productivity. Benue State, famously known as the “Food Basket of the Nation” due to its rich soil and significant contributions to Nigeria’s food production, provides a stark and tragic illustration of this crisis. Recent events in Benue underscore the devastating impact of unchecked violence on farming communities.

In June 2025, horrifying attacks in Yelewata in Benue State claimed the lives of dozens, with reports suggesting the death toll could be over a hundred. Families have been displaced, their homes razed, and their farmlands abandoned. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported over 500,000 registered Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State as of 2024, a number that continues to rise.

The economic ramifications of this violence are profound. Farmers, fearing for their lives and livelihoods, are unable to cultivate their lands during critical planting seasons. Crops are destroyed, storage facilities are razed, and market access is severely hampered. A recent study revealed that a one percent increase in insecurity leads to a 0.211% and 0.311% decrease in crop and livestock output respectively in Benue State. The state, which accounts for over 51% of Nigeria’s yam production and is a leading producer of cassava, rice, and soybeans, is witnessing a drastic reduction in its agricultural output. This directly fuels food inflation, pushing millions deeper into hunger and poverty. The once vibrant agricultural landscape of Benue is now characterised by fear, abandonment, and immense losses.

Beyond the immediate human and economic toll, insecurity erodes trust in government and institutions, making it difficult to implement any meaningful agricultural development programs. Farmers are reluctant to invest in their farms due to the uncertainties attributed to insecurities. This cycle of violence and despair starves the nation of its most fundamental resource: food.

However, even if insecurity were to magically disappear, Nigeria’s agricultural sector would still face an uphill battle without significant investment in rural infrastructure. Rural areas, where the vast majority of agricultural activities take place, are largely underserved by basic amenities. Poor road networks make it incredibly difficult and expensive for farmers to transport their produce to markets, leading to significant post-harvest losses. Lack of access to reliable electricity hinders processing and storage, further diminishing the value of agricultural products. Limited access to irrigation facilities means farmers remain heavily dependent on erratic rainfall, making them vulnerable to climate change.

The symbiotic relationship between curbing insecurity and investing in rural infrastructure cannot be overstated. A secured environment provides the foundation for infrastructure development, allowing construction projects to proceed without fear of attack or sabotage. Improved infrastructure, such as good roads, can facilitate quicker deployment of security forces to troubled areas, enhancing response times and potentially deterring attacks.

Investment in rural infrastructure is a catalyst for agricultural transformation. It reduces transportation costs, increases market access for farmers, and encourages value addition through processing. Cold storage facilities, for instance, can drastically reduce post-harvest losses, while improved irrigation systems can boost yields and enable year-round farming. Rural electrification can power small and medium-scale agro-allied industries, creating employment opportunities and diversifying rural economies. Access to information and communication technology, even in remote areas, can connect farmers to market information, modern farming techniques, and financial services.

To unlock Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential, a comprehensive and integrated approach is essential. This begins with establishing a robust security architecture to protect farming communities. The government must prioritize this through increased deployment of security personnel, fostering community-led intelligence gathering, implementing effective conflict resolution mechanisms, and ensuring swift justice for perpetrators of violence. It’s also crucial to address the root causes of farmer-herder conflicts, such as land disputes and resource scarcity, by promoting equitable land governance and establishing designated grazing reserves.

At the same time, massive investment in rural infrastructure is imperative. A national strategy focusing on rural development should prioritize constructing and rehabilitating feeder roads to connect farms directly to markets. This also includes providing reliable electricity through both grid expansion and sustainable renewable energy solutions, developing modern irrigation schemes, and establishing efficient storage and processing facilities. To bridge the significant funding gap in these areas, public-private partnerships should be actively encouraged.

Immediate support for displaced farmers is also critical. For communities, particularly those in states like Benue who have been displaced by violence, urgent assistance is needed to help them return to their ancestral lands and resume their farming activities. This support should encompass providing essential resources such as seedlings, fertilizers, and financial aid, alongside much-needed psychosocial support.

A successful transformation hinges on policy coherence and implementation. There must be a strong political will to effectively implement existing agricultural policies and to create new ones that are responsive to current challenges. This includes vital areas such as land reforms, ensuring easier access to credit for smallholder farmers, and strengthening agricultural extension services.

Nigeria’s agricultural sector is a sleeping giant, capable of feeding the nation and driving economic growth. However, until the twin scourges of insecurity and infrastructural deficit are decisively tackled, its immense potential will remain largely unrealized. The tragic narrative in Benue State serves as a poignant reminder that the path to agricultural prosperity in Nigeria begins with peace and the foundational investments that empower those who feed the nation.

Diana Tenebe is the Chief Operating Officer of Foodstuff Store

By Saifullahi Attahir

On April 1, 1953, late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and the last Premier of Northern Nigeria, delivered a pivotal speech in the House of Representatives in Lagos. He articulated the region’s concerns about hastily embracing self-government by 1956, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and preparation.”

Sardauna presented compelling reasons why Northern Nigeria couldn’t be rushed into advocating for self-government by 1956, as documented in his own book, ‘My Life’.”

This reflection seeks to uncover the underlying causes of our challenges and differences, aiming to pave the way for a sound and sustainable future for all. Nigeria’s complexities are not unique; countries like India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Kenya, South Africa, and the United States offer valuable lessons in navigating similar issues.”

“We from the Northern Region have never intended to hinder the progress of any other region. We also acknowledge that regions demanding self-government for themselves alone are not inherently wrong, as each community is best suited to judge its own situation. Therefore, we believe the people of the North are the best judges of their own readiness for self-government, and we cannot commit to a fixed date without fully considering the implications. The destiny of the North rests with its people, and we must proceed with caution.”

“We of the North desire a form of self-government that will not lead to future regret. It would be unwise to set a date for self-government without carefully considering Nigeria’s current state. While we politicians often speak of Nigerian unity, we must acknowledge the complexities that exist.”

Sixty years ago, Nigeria as we know it today did not exist. Instead, the region comprised numerous large and small communities, each with distinct outlooks and beliefs. Despite the introduction of British rule and Western education, these diverse communities have yet to form a cohesive unit. Nonetheless, the British can be credited with bringing these disparate groups together, laying the groundwork for a unified nation.”

A significant milestone was reached with the introduction of the Richards Constitution in 1947, marking the first time Northern and Southern representatives sat together to legislate for a unified Nigeria. This development came 25 years after Southern representatives began participating in legislative discussions in 1922.

The 1947 Constitution was slated to last nine years, likely to give the North time to adjust. However, after just two years of experience under that Constitution, it was revised, and now we have a new one that’s barely a year old. I must note, Mr. President, that motions like the one I’m attempting to amend seem designed to undermine the positive inter-regional relationships that the current Constitution is fostering.”

“While motions like this may be expressions of opinion, I believe they can only serve to cause harm and ill-feeling. The outside world already views Northern Nigeria as conservative and backward, and some Southern Nigerians’ past utterances have reinforced this perception. Before committing to such matters, we must seek the mandate of our people. As representatives, it’s our duty to consult those we represent on major issues like this, ensuring we voice the views of the nation.

If Honourable Members from the West and East speak to this motion without amendment, representing their people, I must emphasize that we from the North have not been given such a mandate by our people.”

“No Honourable Member can fairly criticize Northern Legislators for rejecting this motion, which arbitrarily sets a date for national self-government. We’re working diligently towards self-government, despite our late start in adopting Western education. Our goal is to build a strong, lasting foundation for development. Given Nigeria’s current state, the Northern Region will not rush into decisions that might have dire consequences.”

Unless we define our goals clearly, both internally and externally, our demand for self-government may not be taken seriously. We’ve seen groups demand self-government without careful consideration. However, accepting self-government requires a thorough understanding of its implications, ensuring no region imposes its will on others.

Any country embracing self-government must do so with full awareness of its implications, eliminating the risk of one section imposing its will on others. I propose this amendment as a more suitable approach to discussing self-government at this stage, without concern that its passage would automatically bind all regions.”

“On the contrary, a private member’s motion is meant to provide an opportunity for the member and others to express their views on a subject, as I mentioned earlier.”

Countless motions won’t achieve self-government for a divided Nigeria. We can only demand and attain self-government when its meaning is fully understood by all citizens. Let’s thoroughly discuss the implications and reach a consensus among the leaders of all three Regions. This is our primary objective, and by achieving it, we’ll demonstrate our readiness to handle the significant responsibility that comes with self-government. Only then can we safely demand self-government.”

Speeches like this showcase the speaker’s depth of knowledge, clear conscience, and remarkable ability to forecast the future while demonstrating genuine concern for their constituents. In my opinion, Nigeria, particularly the North, might have been rushed into independence prematurely.

Attahir is the President of the National Association of Jigawa State Medical Students. He can be reached via [email protected]