Agritech founder calls for stronger investment in quality farm inputs to boost Nigeria’s food security

Michael Adesina

Adelokun Adeniyi, founder of the agritech platform FarmPays, has called for increased investment in high-quality agricultural inputs as Nigeria works to address persistent gaps in food production and rising demand.

His remarks form part of a broader discussion on agricultural reform as the country confronts issues such as fake inputs, low yields, and limited access to modern tools.

Nigeria’s population is projected to exceed 230 million in the coming years, placing additional pressure on domestic food production systems. Despite this growth, many farmers continue to struggle with adulterated fertilizers, substandard herbicides, poor-quality seeds, and outdated farming practices. According to Adeniyi, these challenges contribute to reduced harvests, financial losses, and wider concerns around food inflation and consumer safety.

Adeniyi noted that fake agro-inputs remain a widespread issue in local markets, often leading to failed planting seasons. He added that weak distribution structures and low awareness among farmers further expose them to unreliable vendors.

In discussing potential solutions, Adeniyi highlighted a number of emerging technologies and tools being adopted globally to improve farm productivity. These include hybrid seed varieties, precision fertilizers, modern herbicides, mechanized equipment, and digital platforms that help ensure access to authenticated products. He said such tools could significantly increase yields, reduce losses, and strengthen climate resilience when adopted at scale.

Digital purchasing platforms, according to him, also play a role in helping farmers verify products and access advisory services. He noted that many diaspora Nigerians seeking to invest in agriculture often face barriers to finding trustworthy channels and that technology-enabled platforms could help bridge that gap.

Adeniyi emphasized the need for collaboration among government agencies, private-sector actors, and smallholder farmers to strengthen verification systems, improve farmer education, and expand access to innovation. He said that partnerships and supportive policies would be essential to modernizing the supply chain for farm inputs.

FarmPays, he added, is working to support farmers through access to verified agricultural products and advisory services.

The call for increased investment in quality inputs comes as Nigeria continues to explore strategies for achieving long-term food security and improving productivity across the agricultural sector.