Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa” for its population size, landmass, and economic influence, has yet to claim its rightful place as a global leader in agriculture. With over 84 million hectares of fertile land, abundant water resources, and a youthful, energetic workforce, Nigeria has every resource it needs to revolutionize agricultural production. Yet, much of this immense potential remains untapped. According to Ayodele Amodu, a Nigerian researcher based at Auburn University in the United States, Nigeria could not only feed its own people but also contribute significantly to feeding the world.
“Globally, agriculture is undergoing a transformation,” Amodu explained during a recent interview. “Advances in technology, research, and sustainable practices are reshaping how food is grown, processed, and distributed.
Unfortunately, Nigeria has been slow to adopt these changes, despite the fact that a large portion of its population is engaged in farming. The majority of Nigeria’s farmers are smallholders who rely on outdated and labor-intensive practices. Significant portions of arable land remain uncultivated, and inadequate infrastructure contributes to high post-harvest losses. These challenges prevent the country from meeting its own food demands, let alone competing on the global market.”
However, Amodu is optimistic about Nigeria’s agricultural potential. “The country’s vast arable land can support the production of both high-value cash crops like cocoa, cashew, and sesame, and essential staples such as cassava, rice, and maize,” he said. “By investing in modern farming techniques, irrigation, mechanization, and value chain development, agricultural productivity could increase dramatically. Such investments would not only boost food security but also create jobs, improve rural livelihoods, and position Nigeria as a global player in agriculture.”
As a researcher conducting groundbreaking work at Auburn University, Amodu has witnessed firsthand how innovative agricultural research and technologies can transform farming systems. “Many Nigerians in the diaspora, myself included, are conducting groundbreaking research—from developing disease-resistant crop varieties to creating climate-smart farming techniques,” he noted. “This expertise could be instrumental in addressing Nigeria’s unique agricultural challenges. For example, collaborative initiatives involving the Nigerian government, private sector, and diaspora researchers could facilitate the transfer of advanced techniques to local farmers. Imagine a scenario where returning experts introduce precision farming methods, co-develop policies tailored to Nigeria’s needs, and build technologies that make agriculture more efficient and sustainable.”
To realize this vision, Amodu emphasized the need for Nigeria to make agriculture a national priority. “This requires addressing systemic issues such as land tenure insecurity, limited access to financing for farmers, and poor rural infrastructure,” he explained. “Equally important is fostering a culture of innovation where research is not only imported but developed locally to tackle Nigeria-specific problems. Achieving this will demand bold political will, strategic investments, and active collaboration across sectors.”
Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads, according to Amodu. “The opportunity to become a global agricultural leader is within reach, but seizing it requires decisive and immediate action. The time to awaken this sleeping giant is now. Together, we can rise to the challenge—not only to ensure food security for ourselves but to help feed the world. The future of Nigerian agriculture holds limitless possibilities, and it starts with us,” he concluded.
