Energy Poverty Threatens Nigeria's Food Security, Warns BoA

The Bank of Agriculture (BoA) has warned that energy poverty is significantly threatening Nigeria’s food security, with 86.8 million Nigerians, representing 46.4% of the population, lacking access to reliable electricity. During a capacity-building workshop in Kaduna, Dr. Adnan Aminu from BoA expressed concerns about the energy deficit limiting agricultural productivity, processing, and storage.

Many farmers and agro-processors rely on expensive diesel and petrol for energy, which affects the entire agricultural value chain. The BoA is developing a Clean Energy Access Framework to finance renewable energy solutions, including solar power irrigation systems and cold storage facilities.

This framework is expected to be completed by the end of the month, with plans to mobilize funds from international development partners and the private sector. The bank aims to provide financing ranging from 500,000 to 5 million Naira for small-scale clean energy projects.

Tobi Ilori from Dalahil LP emphasized the need for stronger technical frameworks to unlock climate finance for sustainable agricultural projects.