Tinubu urged to fund CBN-trained farmers to avert food crisis

Farmers in Delta State, trained by the Federal Ministry of Trade and Industry in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently provide funding to enable farmers to commence food production. Speaking to Daily Trust in Asaba on Wednesday, the Chairman of Delta Farmers Association and […]

Farmers in Delta State, trained by the Federal Ministry of Trade and Industry in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently provide funding to enable farmers to commence food production.

Speaking to Daily Trust in Asaba on Wednesday, the Chairman of Delta Farmers Association and National Chairman of the Global Movement Against Hunger, Elder Eugene Jacob, stressed that Nigeria has the capacity to feed itself and export surplus food to Africa and beyond if the government delivers on its promises to support farmers.

He said, “Between 2015 and 2019, the federal government, through the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the CBN, trained farmers in Delta State for two weeks, opened microfinance accounts for them, and issued certificates. However, since then, the promised funding has not been provided.”

He explained that the lack of funding for trained farmers has worsened the current food crisis, noting that food prices are skyrocketing while hunger spreads across the country.

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“The Global Movement Against Hunger warned about this looming food crisis years ago. Unfortunately, our predictions have come true. Farmers are ready to produce, but they lack the financial resources to do so,” he said.

Jacob criticised the CBN’s focus on stabilising the naira at the expense of food production, emphasising that economic stability begins with boosting local agricultural output.

“How can the naira be stable when there’s no production? Food production is critical to economic growth, and politicising it will only worsen the situation,” he added.

He appealed to President Tinubu to intervene by directing the CBN to release funds to the farmers, highlighting the importance of the agricultural sector in reducing food prices, creating jobs, and ensuring food security.

“We are appealing to Mr President to act swiftly. The names of these trained farmers are already with the CBN. Funding them will help stabilise food supply and prevent further crises,” he said.

He reiterated that Nigeria’s agricultural sector has the potential to produce surplus food for export to Africa and Europe if the government provides the necessary support.

“It’s time for action. Nigeria can feed the world, but only if farmers are empowered,” he added.