The increasing prevalence of banditry and kidnappings in Nigeria is being driven by unemployment, according to statements made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the 9th International Trade Exhibition and Conference on Agro-food, Plastics, Printing, and Packaging in Lagos.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday, Obasanjo noted that providing adequate employment opportunities could help to address the country's security issues. He further stated that the promotion of agribusiness could contribute to food security, nutrition security, employment, wealth creation, poverty elimination, and income generation, including foreign exchange.
Obasanjo emphasized that food security requires the availability, affordability, and accessibility of food, as well as the reduction of waste. The former president also called for policymakers to ensure consistency in agricultural policies, enabling farmers to set long and short-term goals without worrying about possible policy changes that could negatively impact their plans. He further argued for the provision of single-digit loans to farmers, noting that agribusiness cannot be profitable with double-digit loans.
Obasanjo also suggested that agriculture could help to address the issue of youth unemployment and emigration, stating that agriculture is an area that could provide employment opportunities for Nigeria's large youth population. He called for the promotion of agriculture to make it more attractive to young people, including those who are currently engaged in the music industry. By doing so, Obasanjo believes that the country could reduce the number of young people embarking on dangerous journeys across the desert in search of employment opportunities. Overall, he emphasized that agriculture is a critical sector for addressing Nigeria's security and economic challenges.