Agricultural expert and Chief Executive Officer of Davidorlah Farms, Ambassador Segun Alabi, has called on the Nigerian government to deploy security personnel to farmlands nationwide to ensure the safety of farmers and enable mass agricultural production.
Speaking to the House of Representatives Press Corps in Abuja, Ambassador Alabi emphasized that improved security in rural farming communities is critical to revitalizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector and transforming the national economy.
“With Nigeria’s vast arable land, favorable climate, and a large labor force, the country is well-positioned for sustainable economic growth if its agricultural resources are adequately protected and utilized,” he said.
Alabi identified insecurity as a key barrier to agricultural development, stating that persistent threats to farmers have discouraged production, driven up food prices, and exacerbated youth unemployment.
“Agriculture is the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy. It remains the largest sector, contributing an average of 24% to GDP and employing over 36% of the labor force,” he noted. “Strengthening this sector will not only reduce our overreliance on oil, but also enhance food security, create jobs, and increase foreign exchange earnings.”
He urged all tiers of government to partner with private stakeholders in fully developing the agricultural value chain, stressing that collaborative efforts would unlock the sector’s full potential.
Alabi also highlighted the strategic importance of agro-based renewable energy solutions as part of the global response to climate change. He argued that Nigeria could significantly reduce its import dependency by leveraging local production capabilities.
“The solution to global warming lies partly in converting agricultural produce into renewable energy. Everything we import today can be produced locally with the right investment and policies,” he added.
Ambassador Alabi’s advocacy comes amid growing calls for policy-driven interventions to address the insecurity affecting food production and rural livelihoods across Nigeria.