Political Decisions And Agricultural Development In Nigeria

Political Decisions And Agricultural Development In Nigeria

Idris U. Dankaka

So many factors could be associated with the collapse of agricultural sector in Nigeria but the most important one is the conflicting political decisions. The problem of lack of continuity and frequent change of government policies pessimistically affect the country’s most important sector (Agriculture). As the polity changes and goes down so also the agricultural sector. There were several attempts at encouraging productivity in the agricultural sector, but the change of government in August, 1985 and subsequent government policy changes brought agriculture finally to its knees. For this reason, the optimists say Nigeria must hit the bottom of the “valley” before it can start to move up again. Political decisions in Nigeria’s agricultural industry are meant to provide steps to assist this very important industry on its upward journey from the bottom of the valley.

Ayida listed some critical factors likely to affect the stability and continued survival of Nigeria. “The food question” was one of them. At the macro level, Nigeria’s problems are not inadequate or lack of funds. Nigeria has been earning huge amount of money from the sale of crude oil since independence in 1960 to date. The problem is not also so much on technical know-how because the country is blessed with sparkling professionals and well trained man power. Naturally, the country has one of the best soils in the West African sub-region. Rivers Niger and Benue are said to have “moved” the good soils from the neighboring countries into Nigeria. Above all, the climatic condition of Nigeria is apposite for production of virtually all food as well as cash crops.

As a result of change of government policy the years immediately preceding 1985 witnessed massive inflow of investors in to agriculture. Various companies and individuals took various positions in the food chain, either as direct producers or supporters of producers.

The utilization of huge infrastructure such as dams and silos that were already in place were being planned. There were genuine attempts to reverse the lip service to agriculture and anomalies in the national budgets and development plans.

Reviewing the state of agriculture in this administration showed an industry in a very serious crisis, an industry that has almost totally collapsed and forsaken. Because of lack of promise, the present government despite the inclusion of “Food Security” in its Seven Points Agenda is not making any functional and practical effort towards the reviving this sector. The situation has escalated from 1999 to date to the extent that the support systems have collapsed and the creditors are carrying unrecoverable credit facilities due to conflicting government policies. Large parcels of land are left unattended to, very important agricultural equipments are abandoned and major agricultural industries reported huge under utilization of processing capacities. Major companies like NAFCON that are involved in the provision of fertilizers have closed down.

Reversing the current state of Nigeria’s agriculture is more than just a technical issue. There is the need for a sound political climate to generate a strong and collective political will. The much needed political will has to be strong enough to tackle the issues of corruption and climate change.

Agriculture has to be re-packaged and properly promoted just like an attractive product for the investors to buy. It must have the right price and must be sold to the right people and at the appropriate places. No any responsible government that cares for the people it governs toys with its agriculture. The operators in the agricultural industry (about 70% of the population) require a new covenant from the political class which will stimulate a new will in the agricultural industry for sustainable food production and provision of raw materials for our industries and items for export trade.

We must focus on political power and will to get people back to land and get the banks interested in agriculture once more. Focus on agriculture is never misplacement, it means looking at an issue directly affecting 100% and employing more than 70% of the countries population. Politicizing agriculture has not been a good omen for food security issue in the country. The Nigerian economic policy must give priority to agriculture if as a giant of Africa we are to play our role and if we are to be granted our position in the new international balance.

The political leadership must change and must be armed with the right mental capacity, discipline, integrity and positive political will. There must be accountability and sincerity of purpose.

The state structure must change. We must employ a much better way of managing our resources. The excuse of colonization is no longer tenable; a fool at 40 they say is a fool forever, Nigeria will be 50 in the next two months.

Unless there is positive change of attitude from our leaders, Nigeria cannot play its role as the giant of Africa and will not be granted its position in the new international balance. Nigeria alone will determine its position with the success of its economic achievements and the quality of its political and social development. The only alternative is restructuring or decline.