Nigeria is on a mission to achieve 70% self-sufficiency in wheat production within five years, up from the current 10%.
Experts like Dr. Oluwasina Olabanji are optimistic that government initiatives and partnerships that have already boosted output would remain.
As Nigeria cultivates more land for wheat, it aims to reshape its agricultural future and reduce reliance on imports.
In a conference room in Abuja, Dr. Oluwasina Olabanji shared Nigeria’s ambitious plans for wheat production.
This was part of the West and Central Africa Wheat Collaborative Network summit.
Currently, the country achieves about 10% self-sufficiency but aims to reach 70% in the next five years.
Dr. Olabanji emphasised the global importance of wheat, noting: “It is a staple crop consumed daily by almost everyone”.
Nigeria’s Path To Self-Sufficiency
However, he pointed out Africa’s historical neglect of wheat, which has hindered self-sufficiency in production.
Also, he highlighted significant strides made through the Agricultural Transformation Agenda.
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This initiative increased national wheat production from just 70,000 metric tons to 450,000 metric tons within three years.
This success is attributed to partnerships with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
These organisations support Nigeria’s efforts to enhance wheat cultivation.
Despite this progress, challenges remain.
“We could have reached 70% self-sufficiency by now if not for policy changes,” Olabanji stated.
Also, he praised the WECA Wheat initiative for bringing together scientists to develop high-yield varieties like Bulog 100 and Noma.
These varieties yield between 4.5 and 6 tons per hectare.
Looking ahead, Olabanji outlined plans to cultivate an additional 250,000 hectares of wheat in the coming season, aiming for a total of 500,000 hectares.
If successful, he believes Nigeria can achieve its 70% self-sufficiency goal within five years.
As the country forges ahead, the commitment to collaboration, innovation, and effective policies will be key in transforming its agricultural landscape.
