Farmers and women leaders have called for increased government support and greater empowerment in Nigeria’s agriculture sector to boost food security.

They disclosed this in separate interviews on Thursday in Lagos in commemoration of the 2025 World Food Day.

They called for deeper government collaboration, support for women farmers, improved logistics, and renewed investment in food systems.

The president of the WAPA Women in Agriculture Cooperative, Bola Ogutuga, described World Food Day as a platform that allows stakeholders in the agriculture sector to come together and enlighten others about the importance of agriculture.

“This celebration is truly wonderful, as the purpose is to bring farmers from different local governments and sectors together. With the platform, we’re able to showcase our work and help people appreciate the efforts being made.

“But beyond celebration, the government must take a more active role.

“They should collaborate more with farmers and agricultural institutions like IITA and empower us with seedlings, tools, and other inputs. The government needs to improve agriculture practically, not just in policy documents,” she said.

Ms Ogutuga, who leads one of the prominent women-focused agricultural associations in Lagos, stressed that women must be recognised as central players in food production.

“When you want to talk about good food, you talk about a woman. Our role is essential, from the farm to the kitchen. We are coming up, and we are not stopping,” she added.

An agriculture expert, Akin Alabi, said World Food Day is an opportunity to spotlight the often underappreciated labour of farmers.

“For me, this day is about celebrating the food system and the people behind it. From January to date, it has been sweat, sacrifice, and sheer resilience. This day is for them.

“I commend the Lagos State for recognising its farmers, particularly in aquaculture, a sector where the state leads nationally.

“Lagos is water-bound. Aquaculture is our strength, but we still contribute to crops. The Lagos World Food Day, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, shows that the state is serious about food,” Mr Alabi said.

The expert, however, listed the challenges affecting the sector as inflation, funding and security.

“Farmers need protection, financing, and structure. Thankfully, the federal government is pushing for more food system development across states, but implementation remains key,” she said.

Waidi Ogunleye, president of the Perishable Goods Dealers and Sellers Association of Lagos State, called for the government’s intervention to alleviate challenges related to transportation, revenue collection, and storage.

“Sometimes our vehicles break down, and we’re harassed in towns along the way. Revenue collectors and touts make our jobs harder.

“We need cold storage facilities. We lose so much to spoilage. The government must provide storage and infrastructure, or else we keep wasting food while people go hungry,” he said.

(NAN)