Stakeholders in the agricultural sector have called for urgent reforms in the nation’s food distribution system to address growing concerns around access, affordability, and post-harvest losses.

They spoke at the two-day inaugural PricePally Impact Summit held recently in Lagos, which brought together farmers, agritech entrepreneurs, government officials, financiers, and food system experts to explore practical solutions.

Chief Executive Officer of PricePally, Luther Lawoyin, said that addressing distribution challenges would significantly improve the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers.

He noted that being a farmer in Nigeria is tough, and the system needs to make farming a more prosperous venture.

Lawoyin also emphasised the importance of data-driven logistics and integrated supply chain systems, noting that technology and improved coordination are crucial for shortening the supply chain and minimising post-harvest losses.

Agri-consultant Continental Adetiloye explained that the issue facing the country is not food production, but rather food distribution.

He noted that solving distribution challenges should be at the heart of any national food security strategy.

Country Director, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Dr. Rufus Idris, also noted that Nigeria needs to move beyond small-scale interventions to system-wide reforms. He stated that distribution must become as important as production if the country is to secure its food future.

Speaking on the significance of the summit, Chief Executive Officer of Niche Capital, Rasheed Olaoluwa, commended PricePally for the initiative, noting that the platform has grown from a simple idea into a significant force for change and its role in creating an enabling system for farmers.

Participants agreed that while Nigeria produces a significant amount of food, poor logistics and weak distribution infrastructure continue to limit availability and sustainability for millions of people.

They proposed investments in solar-powered cold storage facilities, upgrades to transport infrastructure in rural areas, and the expansion of digital marketplaces that connect farmers directly to consumers and businesses.