By Mary Onyia
The Director-General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Chukwuemeka Woke, has called for the creation of a strong enabling environment and improved infrastructure to drive food production in Nigeria, describing agriculture as a cornerstone of national development and economic stability.
Woke made the call while flagging off the harvest of yams from his farm in Isiodu community, Emohua Local Council of Rivers State, where he stressed that food security must be treated as a national priority rather than left solely to rural farmers. He said Nigeria’s growing population and rising poverty levels make increased agricultural output imperative.
According to him, government at all levels, the private sector and civil society must deliberately invest in policies, infrastructure and institutional support that would encourage wider participation in farming. “Food production is a critical component of national development. We must recognise the importance of agriculture in driving economic growth and reducing poverty,” Woke said.
He identified key constraints limiting productivity, including poor rural infrastructure, limited access to affordable finance and the increasing effects of climate change, noting that these challenges could be overcome with coordinated action and the right policy mix.
The NOSDRA boss called for deeper support for the sector through improved road networks, effective extension services, affordable financing and the adoption of modern farming techniques, improved seedlings and appropriate fertilisers to enhance yields and sustainability.
The yam harvest drew traditional rulers, local farmers and other stakeholders from Emohua and neighbouring communities, who praised Woke for leading by example. They described his farm as a reference point for improved yam cultivation, demonstrating modern production methods and better post-harvest practices that could be replicated across the region.