Nigeria plans 70% wheat self-sufficiency

Nigeria has reached about 10 percent self-sufficiency in wheat production and aims to increase this figure to 70 percent within the next five years. Dr. Oluwasina Olabanji, former executive director of the Lake Chad Research Institute, shared these insights during the second regional summit of the West and Central Africa Wheat Collaborative Network, held in Abuja on Wednesday.

Olabanji discussed the historical significance of wheat production, stating, “Wheat is a fundamental staple worldwide, consumed daily by nearly everyone. Its importance in the global economy cannot be overstated. Unfortunately, Africa has often overlooked wheat as a key crop, resulting in our ongoing challenges with self-sufficiency.”

He acknowledged the support from organizations like the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in Mexico and the African Development Bank, noting that countries in Central and West Africa are increasingly understanding the critical role of wheat in the region.

Highlighting Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, Olabanji pointed out a key turning point with the Agricultural Transformation Agenda, which led to a remarkable increase in national wheat production. “Before this initiative, Nigeria produced only 70,000 metric tons of wheat. However, through this agenda, production soared to 450,000 metric tons in just three years, with yields increasing from 1.5 to 2.5 tons per hectare. With further support from the AFDB through the TAAT projects, we have now achieved roughly 10 percent self-sufficiency,” he explained.

Despite these advancements, Olabanji emphasized that even greater success could have been attained. “We could have reached 70 percent self-sufficiency by now if not for inconsistent policies,” he remarked.

He also commended the WECA Wheat initiative, which has united scientists to boost wheat productivity, resulting in high-yield varieties like Bulog 100 and Noma, which produce average yields of 4.5 to 6 tons per hectare.

Olabanji noted the Nigerian government’s commitment to self-sufficiency, with substantial land allocated for wheat cultivation. “Under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme, backed by the AFDB, we cultivated around 250,000 hectares of wheat last season. For the 2024-2025 period, we plan to cultivate another 250,000 hectares across 16 states,” he stated.

He outlined future goals, saying, “With our strategic plan, we aim to expand production to 500,000 hectares next season. If we achieve an average yield of 3.5 tons per hectare, I am confident that Nigeria can reach 70 percent self-sufficiency in wheat production within five years.”

Dr. Toyin Adetunji, a value chain specialist and country engagement officer at TAAT, discussed broader regional initiatives, emphasizing the African Development Bank’s Feed Africa initiative. “Our objective is to boost productivity by 120 million metric tons and engage 40 million farmers across the continent,” she said.

Citing successful examples from other African countries, Adetunji highlighted that Sudan increased its self-sufficiency from 22 percent to 55 percent, while Ethiopia achieved 100 percent with potential for exports. She stressed that strong government support and effective policies were crucial to these successes.

In light of recent global challenges, particularly the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, both Olabanji and Adetunji underscored the pressing need for African nations to achieve wheat self-sufficiency. “The African Development Bank has allocated $1.5 billion for agricultural development, with $134 million designated for Nigeria,” Adetunji confirmed, reiterating the commitment to assist West and Central African countries in their wheat production journey.

She emphasized that as Nigeria moves toward increased wheat production, the focus will remain on collaboration, innovation, and policy reform to unlock the region’s agricultural potential.