A Nigerian former presidential candidate Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has attributed a 30% reduction in maize yields to the effects of climate change while highlighting the devastating impact of floods and desertification on Nigeria’s agriculture.
Speaking at the 27th Annual Convention and Lecture Series of the Alumni Association of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Dr. Olawepo-Hashim cited data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which revealed that over 500,000 farmers were displaced between 2022 and 2024 due to environmental crises. The resulting economic losses, he said, exceeded ₦2 trillion.
He also pointed out that farming activities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region have declined by 70%, significantly affecting the production of key crops like maize and yam.
“The World Bank reports that in 2022 alone, floods displaced 1.44 million people and destroyed over 600,000 hectares of farmland,” he stated, underscoring the urgent need for solutions to mitigate these challenges.
Dr. Olawepo-Hashim identified other obstacles stifling agricultural productivity, including poor infrastructure, counterfeit agro-inputs, and rising fertilizer costs.
He also revealed that post-harvest losses cost Nigeria $9 billion annually, while pesticide contamination caused Europe to reject 70% of Nigeria’s agricultural exports in 2023.
“We cannot afford to act as bystanders while insecurity and climate challenges cripple our food systems,” he said, calling for bold and immediate action.
To tackle food insecurity, Dr. Olawepo-Hashim proposed the introduction of single-digit interest loans for agricultural cooperatives and the reintroduction of price stabilization mechanisms for farm produce.
He urged stakeholders to lead transformative interventions aligned with national food security goals, leveraging collective influence to address the interconnected crises of insecurity, climate change, and declining agricultural productivity.
Olawepo who is also the owner of Transnational Energy and Owner of the 90 MW Magboro Power Plant also challenged alumni associations to rise as powerful policy advocates, emphasizing the need for these groups to drive an “agro revolution” aimed at returning Nigeria to the productive agricultural path envisioned by the nation’s founding fathers.
“The prosperity of our alma maters is tied to the nation’s agricultural rebirth. Alumni investments must align with Nigeria’s zero-hunger ambition,” he concluded.
FUNAAB Vice Chancellor, Professor Olusola Babatunde Kehinde, praised Dr. Olawepo-Hashim’s presentation, commending the university’s growth beyond its original vision.
“Our target was 5,000 students; today, we admit more than 5,000 in a single session,” he noted, adding that FUNAAB is now recognized as Africa’s leading agricultural university.
Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, a guest speaker and member of the House of Representatives, reflected on Nigeria’s lost agricultural leadership, which he attributed to the 1970s oil boom. He called for systemic reforms and the adoption of global best practices to unlock Nigeria’s agricultural potential.
Global Alumni President, Mr. Azim Bolaji Gbadamosi, lauded Dr. Olawepo-Hashim’s commitment to excellence and disclosed that the association had acquired 2,000 acres of land for agricultural development.
The convention concluded with attendees pledging to drive impactful agricultural innovations, security reforms, and sustainable policies to ensure food security and economic growth in Nigeria.
By Dare Akogun
