FCMB pushes value-chain coordination to boost Nigeria’s food security

Leaders in Nigeria’s agriculture sector urged more coordinated efforts along the agricultural value chain to boost productivity and food security at the Future of Agriculture Conference in Lagos. The event, themed “From Seed to Feed: Strengthening Agricultural Inputs for Food Security,” brought together policymakers, agribusiness executives, financial institutions, and development partners to examine challenges in input distribution, financing, and infrastructure.

Among the participants were Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems Abisola Olusanya, representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Special Adviser on Agriculture and Food Systems Oluwarotimi Fashola. Agribusiness leaders also attended, including Babban Gona CEO Kola Masha and AFEX Group CEO Ayodeji Balogun, who highlighted strategies for improving farmers’ access to quality inputs.

Structured loans expand farmers’ market access

In a panel discussion, Kudzai Gumunyu, Divisional Head of Agribusiness and Non-Oil Export at First City Monument Bank (FCMB), emphasized the critical role of financial institutions in supporting Nigeria’s smallholder farmers, who account for nearly 90 percent of the country’s agricultural output. He outlined how inclusive financing models tailored to the realities of small-scale farmers could expand access to capital while reducing lending risks through structured guarantees and partnerships.

Gumunyu also stressed the importance of a coordinated, value-chain-led approach to agriculture, explaining that linking financing with production, aggregation, and market access can improve yields, strengthen market participation, and bolster food security. He highlighted that effectively channeling financial resources into well-organized agricultural systems would not only support farmers but also enhance efficiency across the sector.

FCMB supports resilient farming and exports

Conference discussions underscored the need to expand infrastructure, ensure consistent access to quality inputs, and deepen collaboration between public- and private-sector actors. FCMB reaffirmed its commitment to supporting agribusinesses and non-oil exports through strategic partnerships, aiming to build a more resilient agricultural ecosystem that can withstand market fluctuations and supply challenges. 

By improving coordination across Nigeria’s agricultural value chain and linking finance to farmers’ operational needs, the country can strengthen food supply, support rural economies, and promote sustainable growth in agriculture, creating a more resilient sector capable of meeting domestic demand and economic objectives.