Ethiopia’s wheat production challenges Nigeria’s food imports
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Nigerian journalist Jonathan Nda-Isaiah visited Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and observed changes in the city’s infrastructure and expansion of wheat farming in the Oromia Regional State.
After a decade away, Nda-Isaiah noted improvements in Addis Ababa’s roads and urban planning, comparing it favorably to some European cities. However, the most impactful part of his visit was seeing Ethiopia’s farms and the country’s progress toward self-sufficiency in wheat production.
Nda-Isaiah contrasted Ethiopia’s success with Nigeria’s continued reliance on imported wheat, despite Nigeria possessing substantial agricultural land. Vice President Kashim Shettima, accompanying the delegation, connected food production to national sovereignty and protecting citizens from global price fluctuations. The journalist also observed a greater sense of security for farmers in Ethiopia compared to those in parts of Nigeria, arguing that safety is essential for agricultural productivity.
The delegation also reviewed Ethiopia’s “Seqota Declaration” regarding nutrition, while Nigeria pledged to strengthen its own “Nutrition 774 Initiative” through legal frameworks, improved coordination, and wider community outreach. Nda-Isaiah emphasized the importance of consistent funding and policies that extend beyond individual administrations to ensure lasting progress. He concluded by questioning whether the visit would inspire real change in Nigeria, highlighting Ethiopia's experience as a potential model for other African nations seeking greater self-reliance.
