July 8, 2025
Abuja, Nigeria – As Nigeria grapples with rising food prices, insecurity in farming regions, and poor storage infrastructure, Ethiopia’s remarkable transformation into a wheat-exporting nation has sparked renewed scrutiny of Nigeria’s agricultural policies and performance.
Ethiopia, once a heavy importer of wheat, has in recent years made significant strides in agricultural self-sufficiency. Through a combination of government-backed mechanized farming, massive irrigation schemes, and the adoption of drought-resistant wheat varieties, the East African nation not only met its domestic needs but also began exporting grain to neighboring countries.
In stark contrast, Nigeria continues to battle a food crisis, with inflation pushing staples beyond the reach of millions. Despite its vast arable land, youthful population, and multiple interventions like the Anchor Borrowers Programme and various food security schemes, post-harvest losses, poor farmer support, and insecurity have hindered progress.
Experts say Ethiopia’s success story provides valuable lessons for Nigeria. “They focused on technology, scale, and security for farmers. We can replicate this if we’re serious,” said Dr. Amina Salihu, an agricultural economist.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has repeatedly pledged to eliminate bottlenecks in the sector, with increased investment in irrigation, mechanization, and extension services. However, critics argue that without urgent structural reforms and transparent implementation, the country’s dream of food self-sufficiency may remain elusive.
With Nigeria spending billions on food imports annually while its own farmers struggle, Ethiopia’s agricultural gains now serve as both a wake-up call and a source of strategic insight for Africa’s largest economy.