By Ese Ufuoma
Nigeria’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of its economy, employing over 36% of the workforce and supplying food for millions. However, beneath the promise of growth lies a significant challenge; transportation and logistics. The cost of moving food from farms to markets is a hidden but powerful driver of the rising prices Nigerians pay for their daily staples.
From the moment crops are harvested or livestock are ready for the market, they must navigate a complex web of roads, ports, warehouses, and supply chain bottlenecks to reach consumers. This journey, frequently hampered by poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, and logistical delays, contributes to high food prices, food shortages, and the overall vulnerability of Nigerian farmers.
Poor infrastructure remains a major issue for Nigerian farmers. Many rural areas are inaccessible due to bad roads, and this has a direct impact on agricultural supply chains. In states like Borno, Yobe, and Ebonyi, the dilapidated state of roads means that perishable goods such as vegetables, fish, and poultry cannot make it to market quickly.
To illustrate, a truck transporting agricultural produce from the northern states to Lagos might encounter multiple hours of delays due to logistical bottlenecks or checkpoints. These delays increase both the financial burden and the risk of spoilage, forcing farmers and transporters to make difficult decisions: prioritise speed but risk higher costs or face infrastructure-related setbacks.
Logistics Bottlenecks: The Warehouse Challenge
Even when goods make it through the treacherous journey from farms to market centres, they encounter another hurdle; insufficient storage and warehousing infrastructure. The lack of modern, well-maintained warehouses often leaves goods exposed to the elements, pests, or theft. Crops stored under substandard conditions lose their value, creating waste and further driving up costs for farmers and consumers alike.
Warehouse challenges compound the financial difficulties for Nigerian farmers. While logistics hubs like Lagos or Abuja are major distribution centres, inadequate cold chain infrastructure for perishables like dairy, fish, and vegetables further compounds market access issues. Without these facilities, supply chains falter, leaving farmers unable to capitalise on their efforts, and consumers unable to access affordable, fresh produce.
The High Cost of Fuel and Transportation
The rising cost of fuel is another hidden yet devastating player in the agricultural supply chain. With Nigeria’s reliance on diesel and petrol for transportation, price fluctuations directly affect how much farmers pay to move their goods. Every increase in fuel costs trickles down to the consumer, pushing food prices higher.
Fuel scarcity, frequent roadblocks, and inefficiencies at ports also exacerbate these costs. Moving goods across Nigeria is no small feat when each checkpoint or fuel station delay can compound the expenses. A farm truck transporting cassava or maize from the rural plains to urban centres could see costs double, depending on fuel availability and transportation inefficiencies.
Innovations and Solutions: Can Logistics Change the Game?
Despite these challenges, innovative solutions are emerging to tackle transportation and logistics in Nigerian agriculture. Some state governments and private sector players are investing in road rehabilitation, modern warehouses, and transportation technology. The goal is to reduce costs and make it easier for farmers to access local and international markets.
Public-private partnerships are becoming vital, with efforts like improved access to credit for logistics companies and the creation of cold storage supply chains to ensure perishables stay fresh. Organisations are also leveraging technology, such as GPS tracking and modern supply chain software, to improve the efficiency of delivery routes and reduce waste.
Government policies such as subsidies for transportation, road rehabilitation programs, and logistics hubs could reduce these costs and open new opportunities for farmers. Additionally, strengthening partnerships with international and local development organisations could support technological advancements and modern storage solutions.
The Way Forward
Agriculture in Nigeria has the potential to feed not just the nation but the entire continent. However, addressing the challenges of transportation and logistics is critical to achieving this vision. From improving road conditions to investing in cold chain logistics and fuel subsidies, Nigeria’s policymakers and private actors must prioritise these solutions to ensure a fair and efficient system for all players in the agricultural value chain.
The journey of agricultural goods from the farm to the plate is much more than just a supply chain, it’s a lifeline. Solving Nigeria’s logistical challenges could reduce food prices, cut waste, create employment opportunities, and secure a more stable agricultural future for all.
By recognising the hidden costs of food and addressing them head-on, Nigeria can build a resilient agricultural sector that not only sustains its population but strengthens its economy.