18th January, 2025
President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has called for increased efforts to expand food production and reduce food prices in Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration of a soybean plant and refinery by CSS Global Integrated Farms in Gora, Nasarawa State, on Saturday, Adesina highlighted the growing hunger crisis in the country due to the rising cost of food.
Adesina emphasized the need for a robust strategy to eliminate food import dependency, support local farmers, and lower food commodity prices. Reflecting on Nigeria’s potential, he stated, “There is no doubt that Nigerian farmers can feed Nigeria. They did when I was minister of agriculture under President Goodluck Jonathan.”
He lamented the steep rise in food prices, citing the price of rice, which was once N8,000 per bag but now exceeds N100,000. He urged for bolder policies and incentives to support farmers and agribusinesses across the agricultural value chain, from production to processing and packaging.
The AfDB President commended CSS Farms for its contribution to food production, youth employment in agriculture, and achieving global ISO 9001 certification. He described the newly inaugurated ultra-modern refinery as a key step toward reducing Nigeria’s reliance on crude soybean oil imports, which amounted to $62.2 million in 2023.
Adesina also discussed the AfDB’s support for Nigeria’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ), with a $538 million programme already underway in seven states, including Cross River, Imo, Oyo, Ogun, Kaduna, Kano, and Kwara. He revealed that a second phase, aimed at covering all states, would have a financing target of $1 billion.
The AfDB President noted the successful mobilization of $2.2 billion in investment interest for SAPZ development at the Africa Investment Forum held in Rabat, Morocco, in December 2024. Nasarawa State, where CSS Farms is located, will be included in the second phase of the programme.
CSS Farms founder, Prof. John Okpara, shared the inspiring story of how the farm grew from one hectare to 1,750 hectares over the past six years, providing employment to over 1,450 workers. He highlighted the farm’s production of eggs, soybeans, maize, cassava, and other agricultural products, as well as its plans to establish an agricultural university.
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, praised Okpara’s efforts in advancing food security and encouraged Nigerians to follow his example by establishing businesses that serve both their needs and the wider community. He also urged Nigerians to be thankful and trust in divine providence.