Under the banner of Sydani Group, a policy advocacy and professional organization has voiced concerns regarding the rising prevalence of malnutrition among Nigerians and the breakdown of the country’s food supply chain. The group highlighted that factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and energy crises in Nigeria have exacerbated food shortages, affecting over 25 million citizens.
Moreover, the group emphasized that ongoing conflicts between herders and farmers, as well as acts of terrorism, kidnappings for ransom, and widespread insecurity, have compelled farmers to abandon their fields, resulting in soaring food prices across Nigeria.
During a media roundtable held at its Complex in Abuja over the weekend, the group called upon the federal, state, and local government authorities in Nigeria to promptly tackle the myriad challenges confronting the nation.
The Sydani Group emphasized the urgent need for governmental bodies at all levels to harness technological advancements across various sectors in order to effectively tackle Nigeria’s issues.
The Sydani Group pinpointed key sectors requiring immediate government intervention, including agriculture, education, healthcare, human capital development, environmental concerns and climate change, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
During a presentation on behalf of the group regarding agriculture, Godfrey Petgrave emphasized the critical nature of the food crises in Nigeria. He highlighted that smallholder farmers, who hold the solutions to this issue, have been neglected over the years.
He warned that the food crises could endure if authorities neglect the challenges confronting smallholder farmers, the security issues displacing farmers from their lands, and the energy crises inflating transportation costs nationwide.
Godfrey cited data from esteemed organizations like the United Nations and the Food and Agriculture Organization, indicating that over 700 million people worldwide suffer from undernourishment, with over 25 million of them residing in Nigeria.
Currently in Nigeria, 75 percent of those experiencing severe food shortages are children. Regrettably, 70 percent of the smallholder farmers responsible for producing our food are overlooked. It is imperative to enhance their skills, furnish them with modern agricultural technologies, and facilitate their access to finance.
Godfrey commended the Federal Government for its efforts in tackling the issues. However, he emphasized that fostering public-private partnerships is crucial to revitalizing the agricultural sector and guaranteeing food security for the nation’s burgeoning population.
Godfrey emphasized that surmounting food security challenges in Nigeria demands resolute action and cooperation. He stressed that with dedication, collective endeavors, and inventive approaches, we can guarantee access to nutritious and economical food for every Nigerian.
He mentioned that Sydani Farms is prepared to collaborate with stakeholders to implement practical solutions and construct a resilient, food-secure future.
Addressing technological advancements and innovations to tackle challenges of insecurity, ghost workers, and multiple identity registrations, Noble Ajuonu, a tech expert, highlighted that fragmented databases from various government agencies have rendered citizens and Nigeria susceptible to cyberattacks and identity theft.
Ajuonu expressed concern over the persisting insecurity in Nigeria, emphasizing its multifaceted nature that necessitates innovative solutions. He stressed the urgency of effective strategies amidst threats ranging from insurgency to cybercrime.
While acknowledging the crucial role of security personnel, Ajuonu underscored the potential of technology as an underutilized ally, citing examples from developed countries where various tools, including data analytics and surveillance systems, have enhanced security measures.
He lamented the low enrollment rate for National Identity Numbers (NIN), citing data from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) indicating that only 104.2 million out of an estimated population of 226 million have been enrolled as of December 2023. This gap of over 122.2 million uncaptured individuals, particularly prevalent in rural areas, poses significant security risks.
Ajuonu advocated for synergy among government levels and agencies responsible for identification acquisition, proposing the establishment of a unified database for Nigerians. He argued that such a database would facilitate crime and corruption detection within the system if embraced by the government.
