Obasanjo Attributes Africa’s Food Insecurity to Policy Instability
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has pointed to a critical lack of continuity and frequent policy changes as major barriers to achieving food security and overall development in Africa. Speaking at the unveiling of Okun Rice in Asero, Abeokuta, on Thursday, October 25, he emphasized the need for governments to create an enabling environment for the private sector rather than directly engage in production.
Obasanjo lamented that the current hunger crisis facing Nigeria and the continent could have been mitigated with sustained efforts in developmental and food production initiatives. He criticized successive governments for failing to promote a culture of continuity, which he believes has severely hindered agricultural practices and food production.
“Part of our problem in Nigeria and Africa as a whole is the lack of continuity, which negatively impacts development at every level—from family to national,” he stated. “It’s absurd to hear claims of ‘for the first time ever,’ as if Nigeria is starting from scratch. In reality, many of these initiatives have been attempted in the past; continuity could have improved our situation, especially in food production.”
Obasanjo underscored that the primary role of government should be to foster an environment conducive to agricultural production and business growth, rather than taking on production itself. “To achieve food sufficiency at the state, national, and continental levels, the government must ensure continuity in agricultural policies and provide necessary support,” he added.
He praised Dr. Biodun Onalaja, CEO of Hyst Global Business Limited, for his commitment to local rice production and boosting food sufficiency in Nigeria. Obasanjo highlighted the importance of supporting local rice farmers, reflecting Onalaja’s dedication to improving the agricultural landscape.
Onalaja, in turn, commended Obasanjo’s visionary leadership in promoting food production. He revealed that the Okun Rice Mill is capable of producing 100 metric tonnes of high-quality rice daily, with products available for purchase starting mid-November. He urged local farmers to bring their paddy rice for processing, emphasizing the venture’s role in creating employment and sustainable food production.
Bolu Owotomo, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, spoke at the event, noting that Okun Rice represents a successful public-private partnership under the current administration. He reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering an environment where farmers and agricultural investors can thrive, highlighting ongoing support such as providing farm inputs to thousands of farmers across the state.
