Abuja:Food experts and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector are advocating for increased investment in indigenous food production. The aim is to reduce the country’s dependence on food imports, address malnutrition, and strengthen food sovereignty.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the call for investment was made at the 8th African Traditional Food Fair, also known as the Mba’Apostoli Food Festival, which took place at the FCT Exhibition Pavilion. The fair, themed ‘Food for Tomorrow Reviving Indigenous Foods for Healthy Living, Climate-Resilient and Food-Secure Nigeria,’ is part of the events leading up to the 2026 World Food Day.
Stakeholders emphasized the urgency of investing in local and traditional food systems to cut down on imports, safeguard local agriculture, and enhance national nutrition. Mr. Michael Terungwa, Executive Director of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), highlighted the importance of prioritizing local food systems and reducing reliance on imported food. He noted that Nigeria imported food worth N7.6 trillion in 2025 and stressed the need for increased investment in local agriculture to close production gaps, such as the one in palm oil where demand outstrips supply.
Dr. Olumide Ojo, Strategy Director of Propcom+, underscored the nutritional, cultural, and climate resilience benefits of indigenous foods. He advocated for a blend of traditional food knowledge with scientific research and modern innovation to improve food security and nutrition in Nigeria. Ojo pointed out that indigenous foods like millet, sorghum, cowpeas, bambara nuts, and local leafy vegetables deserve more attention for their nutritional and agricultural advantages.
Aveseh Asough, founder and convener of the festival, highlighted the event’s growth from a local celebration of ‘Mba’Apostoli’ yams to a larger African traditional food fair. She emphasized the importance of reconnecting people with their cultural roots through food and preserving the stories and traditions associated with indigenous foods. The festival featured various activities, including goodwill messages, a dance interlude, and the unveiling of the festival’s meal.