Stakeholders in Nigeria's agricultural sector have underscored the urgent need for the industrialisation of agriculture, asserting that such a shift is crucial for job creation, food security, and enhancing export capabilities. This call to action was made during a recent symposium and exhibition organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Lagos.

The participants highlighted that industrialising agriculture would not only facilitate better packaging, marketing, and logistics but also elevate the quality of Nigerian agricultural products for international markets. They stressed the importance of collaboration among government agencies, state authorities, farmers, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to develop a robust industrial agricultural sector that can meet both local and export demands.

Ms. Patience Afanide, a representative from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), articulated the potential benefits of agro-industrialisation, stating that it would stimulate various economic sectors and significantly increase the volume and value of exports. "Industrialization will stimulate other economic sectors, and it will stimulate the export sector, and by the time export increases, we increase our GDP," she explained.

Mrs. Tolulola Olumide, Executive Director of Funtuna Ventures and Animal Care Services Konsult Nigeria Limited, emphasized the link between food security and national security. She argued that Nigeria could no longer afford to postpone the industrialisation of agriculture, noting, "When we talk about food security, we’re talking about national security. We’re talking about public safety. So, at this point, we can’t afford to stagnate where we are."

Mr. Nurudeen Olusiji from the Bank of Agriculture elaborated on the bank's initiatives to support farmers by facilitating aggregation, which would ensure that agricultural produce is available in sufficient quantities for industrial use and export. He pointed out that transitioning from subsistence farming to commercial production is vital for enhancing food security. "By the time we industrialize this sector, we will know that at least we have left that subsistence nature, we have left that peasant notion and gone commercial," he stated.

Olusiji also highlighted the financial barriers faced by individual farmers, noting that the high cost of modern farming equipment, such as tractors, necessitates the formation of farmer clusters to access advanced technologies. He called for increased investment in technology, research, and processing facilities to support large-scale agricultural production.

However, the path to industrialisation is fraught with challenges. Olusesan Ayeni, Executive Director of Corporate Services at Origin Tech Group, pointed out that government policies, infrastructure deficits, financing issues, and energy constraints are significant hurdles. He urged for a renewed focus on building essential infrastructure, such as roads and seaports, to support farmers and proposed the establishment of tractor service centres nationwide to enhance access to modern farming equipment. Ayeni also stressed the need for sustainable energy solutions, as reliance on diesel for processing operations is not viable long-term.

The consensus among stakeholders is clear: for Nigeria to transition from subsistence farming to a thriving agricultural economy, a concerted effort towards industrialisation is essential. This transformation promises not only to bolster food security but also to enhance the country's economic landscape significantly.