The World Agriculture Forum (WAF), Nigeria has called for increased investment in agricultural technology and modern storage facilities to strengthen food security.

The Country Director of WAF, Nigeria, Alexander Isong, made the call in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

The statement was issued to mark the 2026 World Food Day, with the theme “Building Resilient Food Systems for a Food-Secure Nigeria.”

The World Food Day is observed annually on October 16 to raise awareness of hunger and promote action towards food security and improved nutrition.

Mr Isong said Nigeria had the agricultural land, human capital and market potential to become a leading force in African agriculture.

He, however, said achieving this required coordinated action, strategic investment and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.

According to him, Nigeria must move beyond production-focused agriculture to develop an integrated, commercially viable and technology-driven food system.

He said improving agricultural productivity required better farm inputs, mechanisation, irrigation, climate-smart practices, extension services and access to affordable financing.

Mr Isong also called for investment in modern storage facilities, pre-cooling systems, refrigerated transportation and cold rooms to reduce post-harvest losses.

He said such facilities would help preserve the quality of agricultural produce and improve food availability.

The WAF country director said stronger food value chains would connect farmers with processors, retailers, institutional buyers and export markets.

He said this could be achieved through structured markets, transparent trading systems and effective quality assurance.

Mr Isong urged stakeholders to mobilise private-sector investment in viable agricultural projects and leverage existing financing mechanisms.

He said such mechanisms would help reduce investment barriers without placing unnecessary pressure on public finances.

He also advocated digital agriculture, artificial intelligence, precision farming, blockchain-enabled traceability, renewable energy and modern food-testing technologies.

Mr Isong said empowering women and young people to participate in agriculture would make the sector more attractive, profitable and technology-driven.

He further called for sustainable agricultural practices, responsible land and water management, efficient energy use and climate adaptation measures.

He said these measures would strengthen the resilience of Nigeria’s food systems.

Mr Isong stressed the need for stronger partnerships among federal and state governments, farmers’ organisations, financial institutions, technology providers, development agencies and private-sector operators.

He said, “Through the WAF Nigeria Country Council, we are committed to facilitating dialogue, coordinating stakeholders, promoting practical agricultural solutions and advancing investment opportunities capable of delivering measurable benefits to farmers, businesses and consumers.”

Mr Isong urged stakeholders to translate their commitments into practical projects, measurable outcomes and sustainable investments.

He said a food-secure Nigeria was achievable through political will, innovation, effective implementation and partnerships capable of expanding successful agricultural initiatives. 

(NAN)