A leading Nigerian agricultural expert and Managing Director of Davidorlah Farms, Mr. Segun Alabi, has raised concerns about Nigeria’s widening agricultural trade imbalance, revealing that the country recorded a ₦1.037 trillion deficit in 2023 alone.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Assembly on Thursday, Mr Alabi highlighted that this marks the fifth consecutive year in which Nigeria’s agricultural imports have exceeded its exports.
He attributed the widening gap to the importation of processed and finished food products such as wheat, sugar, and concentrates, products that Nigeria has the capacity to produce domestically.
“The continued reliance on imported food items undermines our economic diversification efforts. Agriculture remains the most viable path to achieving food security and increasing foreign exchange earnings, but we are not doing enough to realise its full potential,” Mr. Alabi stated.
He also emphasised the growing role of private agricultural firms in driving sectoral growth, noting that Davidorlah Farms is currently Nigeria’s leading producer of pineapples.
Mr Alabi called for stronger support for local producers and more strategic investment in the agricultural value chain to reverse the trend and strengthen the nation’s economic resilience.
“At Davidorlah Farms, we have made it our mission to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s food economy through large-scale pineapple production and the processing of pineapple concentrate for both local consumption and export, which opens doors for direct foreign investment,” he said.
He continued: “Davidorlah Farms, as a private-sector player, plays a significant role in strengthening Nigeria’s economy through agriculture, particularly through its focus on pineapple cultivation and processing. By operating across the pineapple value chain, from primary production to fruit supply and concentrate manufacturing—the company contributes to both food security and agro-industrial development.”
While oil remains Nigeria’s top source of foreign income, Mr Alabi highlighted that agriculture is quietly rising as a powerful force. “With Nigeria ranking fourth in the world for exports such as cocoa, there’s huge potential waiting to be unlocked. Yet, we still import a significant amount of food, which is a sign that our farms need more support and better infrastructure.
“By boosting our agricultural exports, we can reduce our heavy dependence on oil and protect our economy from global price shocks. Plus, the foreign income from these exports can be reinvested into modern tools, better roads, and smarter farming, helping our farmers grow more and earn more,” he noted.
“With our increasing population projected to exceed 250 million by 2050, food demand is rising sharply. Through structured farming programmes and improved yield practices, Davidorlah Farms is helping to reduce reliance on imported food, thereby promoting national food sovereignty,” he explained.
“Every hectare of land under Davidorlah’s model employs multiple hands, from farmers and managers to drivers, traders, and processors. Our commitment translates into thousands of direct and indirect jobs across rural Nigeria, especially among youth and women.
“Through our Farm Ownership Programme, Davidorlah provides Nigerians with opportunities to become farm owners through our model. We are not just growing pineapples, we are growing wealth for families, entrepreneurs, and communities across the country.
“Nigeria loses billions annually importing food. Davidorlah’s export-focused production model aims to reverse this trend. By meeting global standards in pineapple quality and logistics, we open doors to international markets, thus earning foreign exchange and strengthening the naira.”
Source: THE NATION
