AfricanFarmer Mogaji, a food security and agribusiness expert, has warned that the predicted flooding in 33 states could trigger a fresh food crisis and drive up prices unless urgent preventive measures are taken.

Mr Mogaji gave the warning in an interview in Lagos on Sunday, while assessing factors that could affect food security in the coming months.

According to him, policy decisions taken before the onset of severe flooding will determine whether the country experiences food shortages and rising prices between October and December.

“I am more concerned about policy directions towards October, November and December because food prices may escalate due to floods predicted in 33 states.

“If the government takes the right decisions before June 20, we will be able to avert a food crisis later in the year,” he said.

Mr Mogaji described flooding as one of the major threats to agricultural production, noting that it often destroys farmlands, displaces farming communities and disrupts food supply chains.

He urged governments at all levels to strengthen preparedness measures by supporting vulnerable farmers, improving flood-control infrastructure, and implementing timely agricultural interventions.

The expert said previous experiences showed that delayed responses to flood warnings usually resulted in reduced harvests and higher food prices.

He, however, noted that the timely distribution of fertilisers and other farm inputs in 2024 contributed to improved food production in 2025, highlighting the benefits of coordinated interventions.

According to him, sustaining such measures and aligning support with farmers’ planting calendars across regions will help mitigate the impact of the anticipated flooding.

Mr Mogaji also called for stronger engagement with rural farming communities through extension services, mentorship programmes and improved access to agricultural support.

He stressed the need for decentralised markets and input distribution systems to help farmers remain productive despite emerging climate-related challenges.

The expert said proactive planning and coordinated action by government agencies, farmers and other stakeholders would be critical to safeguarding national food security in the months ahead.

He expressed optimism that, with the right policies and timely interventions, Nigeria could minimise potential losses and maintain stable food supplies despite the flood threat.

(NAN)