I am Dr. Charles Apoki, your friend and guide, and today I want to address a pressing issue: the recurring stampedes for food and palliatives in Nigeria. This phenomenon reveals deep-seated problems in our society, from food scarcity to systemic inefficiencies and a troubling sense of entitlement. Let’s dive deeper into the causes and solutions to these tragic events.
The Roots of Food Scarcity
I studied food scarcity in Nigeria during my master’s in Public Administration, and one of the key reasons for this challenge is a drastic change in dietary preferences. When we were younger, rice was a rare treat consumed only four times a year during Christmas, Easter, Independence Day, and New Year. It was a delicacy, not a staple. Our daily meals were more diverse and locally sourced: yam, plantains, and traditional African dishes.
However, the oil boom brought a shift. Imported rice, such as Uncle Ben’s, became popular as mothers sought quick and easy meals. Over time, this led to a dependency on imported rice, neglecting local production and making rice both scarce and expensive. This change in dietary habits was not accompanied by increased local productivity, creating an imbalance that persists today.
Economic Challenges and Security Issues
Another significant factor is insecurity. Farmers cannot access their lands due to banditry and other threats, particularly in northern Nigeria. This insecurity directly impacts food production. Additionally, 30-40% of our agricultural harvests perish due to poor storage and distribution systems. Why are we wasting food when hunger is rampant? The answer lies in low purchasing power and high transportation costs caused by rising fuel prices and illegal roadblocks.
Corruption also plays a role. On federal roads, local government agents and unauthorized individuals extort money from transporters, driving up the prices of food items. This criminality, often supported by political benefactors, hinders efficient food distribution.
High Costs of Agricultural Inputs
The cost of farming inputs, such as herbicides and fertilizers, has skyrocketed. Farmers, who are mostly subsistence-based, cannot afford large-scale farming. This limits production and drives up prices. Furthermore, we lack post-harvest processing facilities to extend the shelf life of agricultural products. For instance, dried mangoes and processed potatoes could add value and reduce waste, but these innovations are not widely adopted.
The Need for Agricultural Revolution
Nigeria needs a large-scale agricultural revolution. Here are some actionable steps:
Security: Ensure safety in farming regions so farmers can work without fear.
Subsidies: Provide affordable tractors, fertilizers, and other farming tools through government support.
Post-Harvest Processing: Establish facilities to process and preserve crops, increasing their marketability and shelf life.
Large-Scale Farming: Promote cooperative farming and government-supported agricultural estates.
Agricultural Education: Make agriculture a compulsory subject in schools, teaching practical skills like poultry farming, fisheries, and crop management.
A Cultural Shift
We must rethink our “palliative mentality.” Many people prioritize receiving handouts over working or farming. This mindset fosters dependence and entitlement. While palliatives can provide temporary relief, they do not address the root causes of poverty and hunger. Instead, we must empower people to be self-sufficient through education, skill acquisition, and agricultural engagement.
Addressing Stampedes
Many of those who die in stampedes are not even members of the organizations distributing food. They camp overnight, desperate for relief. However, this desperation often leads to chaos and tragedy. We must rethink how aid is distributed and focus on sustainable solutions. Encouraging local production, increasing purchasing power, and reducing the cost of food will go a long way in preventing these incidents.
A Call to Action
Nigeria’s leaders and citizens must prioritize agriculture over luxury. Instead of new cars, let us invest in tractors. Tractors drive economies; luxury vehicles do not. Burkina Faso distributes tractors as part of its development strategy—we can do the same.
Let us take agriculture seriously. Even global billionaires like Elon Musk and Bill Gates are investing in farming. They see its potential. Why shouldn’t we?
Gratitude and Updates
I want to thank all my subscribers and critics. Your support, feedback, and even disagreements inspire me to do better. To my young followers across the world, thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are shaping a better future.
Finally, I invite you to join my upcoming webinar, “Hitting the Ground Running Financially in 2025,” on January 10th and 11th. Register before December 31st for a discount. For details, contact +234 8021 21 92 62.
If you’re interested in purchasing property or leasing farmland in the Warri area, reach out to the same number. Let’s work together to build a prosperous and food-secure Nigeria.
God bless you.
Dr. Charles Apoki
