As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark World Food Day 2025, farmers and women leaders have renewed calls for stronger government support and empowerment in the agricultural sector to boost food security and sustainability.

Speaking in separate interviews on Thursday in Lagos, the stakeholders urged for deeper collaboration between government and farmers, increased investment in agricultural infrastructure, and targeted empowerment programmes for women who play vital roles in food production.

The President of WAPA Women in Agriculture Cooperative, Mrs. Bola Ogutuga, described World Food Day as a “powerful platform” for uniting farmers and raising awareness on the importance of agriculture to national development.

“This celebration brings together farmers from various local governments and sectors to showcase their work and inspire others,” Ogutuga said. “However, beyond the celebration, the government must take a more active role. They should collaborate with farmers and institutions like IITA, and empower us with quality seedlings, tools, and other inputs. We need practical improvement in agriculture, not just policies on paper.”

Ogutuga, who leads one of Lagos’s foremost women-focused agricultural cooperatives, emphasised that women are central to food production and must be given due recognition.

“When you talk about good food, you talk about a woman. Our role is essential from the farm to the kitchen. We are rising, and we are not stopping,” she asserted.

Agriculture expert Mr. Akin Alabi also underscored the need to appreciate the hard work of farmers who, he said, “keep the food system alive through resilience and sacrifice.”

“For me, World Food Day is about celebrating the food system and the people behind it. Lagos deserves credit for recognising its farmers, particularly in aquaculture, where the state leads nationally,” Alabi said.

He noted that while Lagos is making strides in food production, inflation, insecurity, and inadequate funding continue to hinder progress. “Farmers need protection, financing, and structure. The Federal Government’s food system development initiative is commendable, but implementation remains key,” he added.

Also speaking, Mr. Waidi Ogunleye, President of the Perishable Goods Dealers and Sellers Association of Lagos State, appealed for urgent government intervention to ease challenges in transportation, revenue collection, and food storage.

“Sometimes our vehicles break down and we face harassment from touts and revenue agents on the road. We also lose a lot of produce to spoilage because of lack of cold storage facilities. The government must invest in storage and logistics to stop food waste while people go hungry,” Ogunleye said.

The stakeholders collectively urged both federal and state governments to back words with action, ensuring that Nigeria’s farmers especially women receive the tools, protection, and infrastructure needed to guarantee sustainable food security for all.