Debate at the World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings
Dr Agbu Kefas, Governor of Taraba State, Nigeria writes exclusively for African Voice.
As countries grapple with the fallout of the Ukraine-Russia conflict it’s clear that dependence on a few nations for the bulk of the world’s food supplies is a gamble we can no longer afford. For Nigeria, a nation endowed with vast agricultural potential, this moment presents an unparalleled opportunity.
As Governor of Taraba, an agricultural state in Northeast of Nigeria, I am calling for a reorientation of our national priorities towards agriculture, envisioning Nigeria, with its rich farmlands and diverse climates, not just as oil giant but also as Africa’s breadbasket.
Yet, the scale of this challenge requires a strong collaboration across all levels of government, alongside partnerships with the private sector and international allies. Our investment in agriculture should be accelerated to match our potential and embrace our capacity to feed ourselves and our African neighbours. We need policies that facilitate access to capital, land, and markets for our farmers. Infrastructure development must also be prioritized.
Nigeria’s strategy must be multifaceted, focusing on modernizing our agricultural practices, embracing agro-technology, and fostering an environment that encourages young entrepreneurs to see agriculture as a viable and lucrative sector. This is not merely an economic reform; it is a strategic shift that will ensure our national security, create sustainable jobs, and lift millions out of poverty.
We must integrate agribusiness into our educational system, preparing the next generation of Nigerians to lead this sector. Agriculture should be seen not just as an occupation but also as a science, a business, and a way of life that is respected and valued.
As Governor of Taraba State, I am ready to do my part towards the achievement of these reforms and policies. In Taraba, we have the 3rd largest landmass in Nigeria and 85% of our 3.7 million population is engaged in the agricultural sector. We are working on policies that aim to attract investments in agriculture that can transform our communities. Our state’s success stories, from increased crop yields to innovative agripreneurship, underscore the potential that lies in harnessing our agricultural assets.
To this end, we have recently launched the Taraba State Agriculture and Food Sustainability Committee, with a mandate to devise strategies to enhance food production and enable self-sufficiency.
We are also investing in infrastructure. We recently restored the airport in the capital, Jalingo, to ensure that our agricultural products reach markets efficiently. This effort must include further development of roads, storage facilities, and robust irrigation systems to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The upcoming World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings in Washington present a golden opportunity for Nigeria to position itself at the forefront of the global discussion on food security. By showcasing our commitment to transforming our agricultural sector, we can inspire international confidence and attract the investment needed to realize our vision.
The road ahead will require commitment, innovation, and perseverance. However, the benefits of transforming Nigeria into the food basket of Africa are immense. We have the opportunity to not only secure our food supply but to contribute significantly to global food security. The time to act is now. Let us seize this moment to redefine our nation’s path and ensure a prosperous, secure future for all Nigerians.
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