Nigeria Urged to Prioritize Cassava for Food Security

In an interview, Dr. Toni Bello, Chief Innovation Commercialization Officer at Matna Food Limited, stressed the importance of prioritizing cassava in Nigeria as a key food-security crop. He noted that Nigeria, being the world's largest producer of cassava, possesses strategic opportunities to transform its agricultural sector into a value-creating industry that enhances export competitiveness.

The discussion highlighted the vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing geopolitical tensions, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which have disrupted global supply chains and raised concerns about food security. Dr. Bello pointed out that agriculture should not only be viewed as a social issue but as a critical economic industry that intersects with food security, economic security, and industrial security.

He emphasized the need for Nigeria to shift its focus from mere production to value creation within the agricultural sector, which is essential for job creation and economic prosperity. Dr. Akinwumi Adesina's message about the potential for young Nigerians to see agriculture as an opportunity rather than a fallback option was also referenced.