Agriculture Expert Akin Olotu Warns of Worsening Food Crisis in Nigeria, Urges Tinubu Administration to Address Climate Change
Akure, Nigeria – Akin Olotu, a seasoned agriculture expert, has raised alarms over the looming food crisis in Nigeria, cautioning that the situation could deteriorate further in the coming months if the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not take decisive action to address climate change. Speaking at the annual lecture series and award evening organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo chapter, Olotu emphasized the urgent need for the government to tackle the adverse climatic conditions affecting farming activities across the country.
Olotu, who previously served as the Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture and Agribusiness to the late Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, highlighted the unfavourable climatic conditions currently plaguing Nigeria, which he believes are severely hampering farmers and agricultural productivity. He warned that without prompt intervention, the nation could face a more severe food crisis in the near future.
“In the months ahead, there would be more food crises. The present climatic condition is not favourable to farming activities. Something has to be done. Food crisis is still ahead, and President Tinubu has to set targets for the state and local councils,” Olotu stated.
He stressed that addressing climate change, pest infestations, and other agricultural threats is crucial for mitigating the impending crisis. Olotu also pointed out that previous warnings regarding food insecurity were largely ignored by the government, leading to the current predicament. He referred to a United Nations prediction that about 82 million Nigerians, representing 64% of the country’s population, may face hunger by 2030—a forecast he believes is becoming increasingly likely.
In response to these concerns, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, affirmed that his administration has initiated several measures aimed at boosting food production and enhancing the welfare of citizens in Ondo State. The Governor reiterated the state government’s commitment to addressing food security challenges, though the broader national issues highlighted by Olotu require urgent attention from the federal government.