Agricultural experts and government officials, celebrating the 2025 World Food Day in Abuja under the theme “Our Actions Are Our Future – Healthy Diets, Sustainable Food Systems for All,” stressed the urgent need to promote healthy diets and sustainable food systems to achieve food security in Nigeria. Stakeholders emphasized that a functional food system must not only nourish people but also protect the land, water, and environment from climate change.
Abubakar Bamai, President of the Coalition of Farmers Association of Nigeria (COFAN), represented by Mr. Pius Olugbenga, highlighted that consumers’ daily food choices dictate the nation’s future quality. He stressed the immense need for sustainable farming and healthy eating to combat malnutrition, hunger, and environmental degradation. Bamai urged relevant agencies to provide accessible cold rooms, silos, and processing centers at the local level to curb the unacceptable 40 percent loss of farm produce after harvest. He also praised President Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Livestock.
Furthermore, Bamai pointed out the crucial, yet often neglected, role of Nigeria’s forests in maintaining soil fertility, regulating water, and ensuring climate stability, stating that protecting them strengthens the foundation of sustainable food systems. Representing the Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Chioma Okafor agreed that food security planning must prioritize environmental protection and conservation, reaffirming her ministry’s support for climate-smart agriculture. Mrs. Peace Evans of the Ministry of Education called for a shift in perception, encouraging Nigerian youth to view agriculture as a profitable career and a path to empowerment. Finally, Mr. Chinedu Agbaji of the Urban Farmers Cooperative Society asserted that securing Nigeria’s food future is a collective responsibility that begins with environmental protection.
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