Agriconnect Summit 2024: Oduntan advocates for policy coherence to increase market access in agriculture

The Group Managing Director of Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, stressed the critical need for policy coherence to enhance market access and build resilient food systems in Nigeria.

He stated this at the recently concluded Agriconnect Summit 2024 held at the Landmark Event Center, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The summit, titled “Bridging the divide: fostering collaboration and innovation for a sustainable agricultural future”, highlighted the urgent need for collective efforts to address the challenges facing the agricultural industry and unleash its full potential.

During a panel discussion titled “From Farm to Fork: Increasing Market Access and Building Resilient Food Systems,” Dr. Oduntan addressed the challenge of inconsistent government policies hindering the development of agribusiness in Nigeria. He highlighted the constant cycle of new policies introduced by various agriculture ministers without due regard to the continuity of previous initiatives.

“We have all the right ideas to take agribusiness to where it needs to be, but the main challenge has been implementing the policies. In my more than 30 years of experience in the agricultural sector, I have witnessed numerous policy changes with each new Minister of Agriculture. This inconsistency hinders the development of our agribusiness,” Dr. Oduntan noted.

Proposing a solution to this problem, he stressed the need for a central coordinating agency to ensure policy coherence, allocate resources and facilitate effective implementation. “We need a central coordinating agency to set direction, allocate resources and ensure sustainable implementation of agricultural policy.”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chaired the summit, urged the federal government to prioritize food security by offering single-digit interest-bearing loans to farmers. “Any country that offers more than a single-digit loan to agribusiness people is not helping farmers,” he stressed. “We must recognize food as a national security need and provide farmers with the necessary financial support.”

Among the distinguished guests present at the summit were the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani and the Honorary Commissioner for Agriculture of Lagos State, Mrs. Abisola Olusanya, representing the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The presence of esteemed dignitaries and industry experts highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in shaping a sustainable future for agriculture in Nigeria.

As Nigeria strives to increase market access and build resilient food systems, Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited remains committed to driving positive change and fostering collaboration in the agricultural ecosystem.