Nigeria has achieved approximately 10 per cent self-sufficiency in wheat production, with ambitious plans to reach 70 per cent in the next five years.

Former executive director of the Lake Chad Research Institute, Oluwasina Olabanji shared insights on Nigeria’s journey toward wheat self-sufficiency at the ongoing West and Central Africa Wheat Collaborative Network (WECA) second regional summit in Abuja.

Olabanji highlighted the historical context of wheat production in Africa, stating, “Wheat is a staple crop worldwide; almost everyone consumes it in some form every day. 

This highlights its significance in the global economy. However, we in Africa have historically neglected to prioritize wheat as an important crop, which has led to our ongoing struggles with self-sufficiency in production.”

Underlining the efforts made to bolster wheat production, he expressed gratitude for interventions from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in Mexico and the African Development Bank (ADB).

According to Olabanji, a key milestone in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation came with the Agricultural Transformation Agenda, which saw national wheat production rise dramatically.

Despite the progress, Olabanji emphasized the potential for even greater achievements.

He also praised the WECA Wheat initiative, which has brought together scientists to enhance wheat productivity, producing high-yield varieties like Bulog 100 and Noma, which average yields of 4.5 to 6 tonnes per hectare.

He noted that the Nigerian government has demonstrated its commitment to achieving self-sufficiency, with substantial acreage dedicated to wheat cultivation.

He outlined future ambitions, stating that the strategy document prepared, aims to increase production to 500,000 hectares next season.