Stakeholders across Nigeria’s agriculture and economic sectors converged at the Civic Centre for the 2026 edition of the Vanguard Economic Discourse help on Wednesday 22nd April focusing on the theme: “Food Security and Socio-economic Stability: Options for Nigeria’s Agriculture Sector Rebound.”
The high-level forum organised by Vanguard Newspapers brought together policymakers, development partners, agribusiness leaders and financial institutions to deliberate on sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s food security challenges and economic stability.
The event now in its ninth edition, served as a strategic platform for dialogue between the public and private sectors, with participation from global institutions such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Delivering the keynote address FAO Representative to Nigeria Hussein Gadain, stressed that food security is central not only to agriculture but also to national stability, economic growth and social cohesion. He warned that Nigeria’s food system remains under pressure from insecurity, climate change and economic constraints with millions at risk of hunger if urgent reforms are not implemented.
Gadain emphasized the need for increased investment in agriculture, improved access to finance for smallholder farmers and the adoption of climate-smart practices to boost productivity and resilience. He noted that meaningful sectoral rebound must prioritize Nigeria’s over 40 million agricultural households through inclusive policies and strengthened rural services.
Also speaking, IFAD Country Director, Dede Ahoefa Ekoue, highlighted the critical role of youth and private sector participation in transforming Nigeria’s agri-food systems. She described Nigeria’s large youth population as a key asset capable of driving innovation and growth across the agricultural value chain.
Representing the Federal Government, officials from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security underscored the economic importance of agriculture, which contributes significantly to Nigeria’s GDP and employment. They noted that while the sector is showing early signs of recovery, persistent challenges such as high input costs, weak infrastructure and financing gaps continue to hinder progress.
Discussions at the discourse also highlighted the urgency of addressing post-harvest losses, improving market infrastructure and strengthening value chains to enhance competitiveness and reduce reliance on food imports. Experts further called for improved rural security and policy consistency to encourage investment and ensure sustainable growth.
Panel sessions featured notable industry stakeholders, including representatives of farmer associations and agribusiness groups who advocated for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s agriculture.
Participants agreed that achieving food security is not only a developmental priority but also a cornerstone of socio-economic stability warning that failure to act decisively could exacerbate poverty, inflation and social unrest.
The discourse concluded with a consensus that Nigeria must move from policy dialogue to actionable strategies, leveraging innovation, financing and inclusive participation to reposition agriculture as a driver of economic recovery and national prosperity.
