Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called for a national agenda to ensure food sovereignty in Nigeria.

Speaking at the 2025 World Food Day celebration in Lagos, he emphasized that despite agriculture’s importance, hunger and malnutrition persist in the country due to overreliance on food imports and neglect of the livestock sector.

He, however, noted that with better investment in cattle, pastures, value chains, and reduced post-harvest losses, Nigeria can achieve genuine food security and self-sufficiency.

Bago also outlined five priorities for the national agenda to ensure food sovereignty. These include embracing modern and climate-smart farming, reducing post-harvest losses through improved storage and processing, and making credit and inputs accessible to real farmers.

Other areas of focus are protecting farms and rural communities from insecurity and anchoring agricultural policy on long-term national plans.

The governor cited examples of successful initiatives, such as the restriction of poultry imports, which led to a dramatic growth in local production. He also highlighted his administration’s investments in agriculture, including mechanization, irrigation, and value chain development, among others.

“These steps are not impossible. We have done some of them before. When the government restricted poultry imports years ago, local production grew dramatically. With political will and a clear strategy, we can do even more,” he maintained.

The governor also expressed concern about the impact of flooding on farms in Niger State and other parts of the country and noted his administration’s collaboration with the World Bank to build stronger climate defenses, irrigation systems, and early warning mechanisms.

He further emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to feed Nigeria and beyond from Nigerian soil and reaffirmed Niger State’s commitment to leading the nation’s agricultural transformation.

Bago also appreciated the management of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) for the opportunity to deliver the keynote address and commended the Director-General, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, for his leadership and inspiration.

Niger Gov Bago advocates national agenda for food sovereignty