With low oil prices for the foreseeable future, Nigeria has begun to diversify its interests, placing greater emphasis on the development of industries that drive self-sufficiency. Nigeria’s population is expected to balloon — from the current population of 180 million to over 300 million by 2050 (eclipsing the United States and becoming the world’s 3rd most populous country).


As such, the agricultural sector is a key component to Nigeria’s plan for self-sufficiency. The government has taken aggressive steps to promote growth in the industry through initiatives such as the Agricultural Transformation Action Plan (ATAP) which offers incentives to agropreneurs across the value chain. Companies in the private sector, such as Releaf, are also taking steps to empower agropreneurs with the resources and information they need to operate more efficiently.
Although Nigeria is currently known for its oil output, it used to be a major agricultural producer. When Nigeria first gained independence in 1960, the country was not only meeting domestic demand, but exporting numerous agricultural commodities. At their peak, Nigeria produced up to 42% of the world’s groundnut oil, 27% of palm oil, and 18% of cocoa. They also produced and exported large quantities of rubber and cotton. Nigeria’s self-sufficiency back in 1960 is a stark contrast to the conditions today, where the country currently imports almost $8 billion worth of wheat, sugar, rice, and fish a year.
As the population size continues to grow rapidly and dietary preferences change to include more proteins and grains, the threat to food security becomes more of a reality with each passing day. The key to solving this looming problem may lie along Nigeria’s largest agricultural trade corridor: Lakaji.