Food insecurity in Nigeria is set to worsen unless urgent measures are taken, as highlighted by the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN). The association has called attention to the increasing dangers faced by farmers, including kidnappings, killings, and the illegal occupation of farmlands. These issues, compounded by extortion at illegal checkpoints, are undermining agricultural productivity across the country.

During the 46th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security in Calabar, Cross River State, AFAN’s National Vice President, Chief Daniel Okafor, warned that these security challenges are contributing directly to the nation’s food shortages. Okafor emphasized that if left unaddressed, these problems will continue to drive up food prices and worsen hunger across the population.

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“Insecurity remains a major issue for farmers,” Okafor stated. “Kidnappings, killings, and farmland occupations by bandits are forcing many farmers to abandon their fields. This is significantly reducing the amount of food produced, leading to higher costs and widespread hunger.”

Further exacerbating the situation is the rampant extortion at illegal checkpoints. Farmers, particularly those transporting goods such as oranges from Benue State, are facing extortion fees of at least N20,000 at multiple checkpoints. This additional financial burden ultimately inflates food prices, affecting consumers across the country.

AFAN has called on the government to take immediate action to eliminate these illegal checkpoints and ensure smooth, cost-effective transportation for farm produce. Additionally, the association urged for the direct distribution of farm inputs to actual farmers, rather than political elites, ensuring that agriculture-related budget allocations genuinely reach those who need them most.