How Nigeria can ensure food security during the COVID-19 lock-down

As the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria progresses, the conversation around ensuring food security becomes increasingly important. Akit and Desaulia, the Founder of the Agricultural Fresh Produce Growers and Exporters Association of Nigeria (AFGEAN), shared valuable insights during a recent interview on CNBC Africa. The discussion revolved around the challenges and opportunities Nigeria faces in maintaining food security amidst the lockdown measures. Akit highlighted the crucial need for changes to the current supply chain of agricultural produce in the country. He emphasized that while Nigeria is facing significant difficulties, there exists an opportunity to enhance food security if strategic steps are taken. With states implementing lockdown measures, the movement of essential goods, including agricultural produce, has been severely impacted. This has raised concerns about the ability to ensure a steady food supply across the nation. Akit pointed out that the current situation presents both challenges and opportunities for Nigeria's agricultural sector. Farmers have encountered obstacles in getting their produce to the market due to restrictions on transportation and limited demand. This has led to a looming food security crisis as farmers are discouraged from further production without adequate avenues to sell their goods. Akit stressed the importance of enabling farmers to connect with buyers and aggregators to prevent a potential food shortage. He also addressed the need for technology to match supply with demand and streamline the logistics of food distribution. Despite the existing challenges, Akit acknowledged the efforts of forward-thinking organizations and associations working to revitalize the food production and processing industry in Nigeria. These initiatives aim to meet the increasing demand for food and restructure supply chains to adapt to the current climate. While export activities may face hurdles, there is a growing focus on strengthening internal supply chains and optimizing delivery systems. Akit proposed innovative solutions such as marking food transportation vehicles to ensure priority passage through checkpoints and reduce delays. He highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue of food wastage, which has been exacerbated by logistical constraints and fluctuating demand. Akit emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to tackle food security challenges and minimize food wastage in Nigeria. The interview shed light on the importance of proactive measures to safeguard food security and support the agricultural sector during the COVID-19 lockdown. By addressing logistical bottlenecks, enhancing technology adoption, and fostering strategic partnerships, Nigeria can navigate the current crisis and build a resilient food supply chain for the future.