In recent times, many Nigerians have lamented the growing scarcity and high cost of food. Markets across the country tell the same grim story, families struggling to afford basic staples, children going to school hungry, and farmers battling to survive in a land rich with agricultural potential.
It is a bitter irony that Nigeria, blessed with vast arable land and favorable weather, is grappling with a food crisis. The question on everyone’s lips is: who should be held responsible?
Some argue that it is the government’s failure. Others go further to point fingers at the president, expecting a direct intervention to solve the crisis. But let’s be clear, while leadership is crucial in policy formulation and infrastructure development, it is not the president’s job to take up hoes and cutlasses to farm for the people.
Across the African continent, there are countries with less fertile lands, rocky terrain, limited rainfall, and environmental constraints. Yet, some of these nations are feeding their populations through dedication, innovation, and strategic planning. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s fertile land lies largely fallow, overshadowed by insecurity and a culture of blame.
Even basic food items like pepper, tomatoes, and other cash crops that can easily be grown in backyard gardens are now luxuries in many homes. This is not just a failure of government, it is also a societal failure. Many Nigerians are not helping the situation. We have made it a habit to outsource responsibility, even for what we can personally grow or contribute.
Yes, insecurity remains a major barrier. But let’s speak the truth: those behind banditry and violence are not spirits. Communities know them. Some protect them. Some profit from the chaos. Until there is a collective resolve to expose and confront these elements, peace and progress will remain elusive.
To end this food crisis, Nigeria must return to the soil, not with slogans, but with commitment. Youth should be empowered and equipped to farm with dignity and innovation. States must rise from complacency and take full ownership of agricultural development. Mechanization, storage systems, cooperative financing, and private sector engagement must replace paper policies and abandoned farm settlements.
The soil is not the problem. The people are willing. What is needed is leadership that creates the right environment for agriculture to thrive through bold policies, community accountability, and long-term investment.
Until then, Nigeria will remain a hungry giant rich in potential, poor in action.
Abioye Tosin Lawrence
Publisher, Oriontimes Online Newspaper
Campaigner, HATE-AGAINST-NIGERIA Movement
Author of “Voices from the Fire: My Journey Through a Hollow Empire”