Agri-Urbanisation: Nigeria’s critical path to sustainable development

By Chi Tola

As Nigeria races toward infrastructural modernization, a silent risk grows beneath our feet: the neglect of agriculture in the urbanisation process. We must urgently rethink our development strategy.

Agri-urbanization — the intentional integration of agriculture into our cities and infrastructure plans — is no longer optional; it is essential for Nigeria’s survival and prosperity.

Across states and regions, we are witnessing a surge in new estates, expressways, mega projects, and urban hubs. Yet, where are the spaces for food production? Where are the integrated green zones that ensure our growing cities remain fed, resilient, and environmentally secure?

The Nigerian challenge
Nigeria’s population, already exceeding 220 million, is expected to double by 2050. With this explosive growth comes an inevitable expansion of cities — but without food systems built into these cities, we risk importing hunger into our urban future.

Today, over 50% of Nigeria’s population lives in urban areas. Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Ibadan — all are expanding rapidly, but with minimal agricultural consideration. The result?

Longer supply chains, higher food costs, increased vulnerability to supply shocks, and rising food insecurity even in so-called “wealthy” areas.

If we continue to build without farming, pave without planting, and develop without feeding, we will create cities that are beautiful but brittle, glittering but hungry.

Why Agri-urbanisation must be a national priority
Food Security: Integrating agriculture into urban development means that fresh, affordable food is always within reach, reducing dependence on volatile long-distance supply.

Youth Employment: Urban agriculture can absorb thousands of young Nigerians, from agribusiness ventures to agro-processing and smart farming innovations.

Environmental Resilience: Green urban farms can counteract heat waves, floods, and air pollution — all growing threats in Nigerian cities today.

Economic Diversification: Building agricultural hubs within urban settings boosts local economies, reduces food import bills, and strengthens the naira.

What Nigeria must do
1. Mandatory Agricultural Zones: Every new city or estate plan must legally allocate land for agriculture — not as an afterthought, but as a foundation.

2. Agri-Infrastructure Investment: Alongside bridges and highways, we must invest in irrigation networks, agro-processing centers, urban markets, and cold storage facilities.

3. Policy Incentives: Offer tax rebates, grants, and low-interest financing to developers who integrate agriculture into their projects.

4. Education and Innovation: Support agricultural entrepreneurship hubs in cities, promote rooftop and vertical farming, and integrate agriculture into school curriculums to reorient mindsets.

A wake-up call to our leaders
Our founding fathers built Nigeria with the understanding that agriculture was the backbone of prosperity. Today’s leaders must embrace that same wisdom, but adapt it to the urban realities of the 21st century.

Agri-urbanisation is not just about food. It is about economic security, health, youth empowerment, climate action, and national dignity. If we do not feed our cities sustainably, we will spend more trying — and failing — to fix the social and economic crises that follow.

The time to act is now. As we lay roads and raise skyscrapers, let us also sow seeds. Let us build not just cities of cement and glass, but cities of life, food, and future.

Nigeria’s greatness will not be built solely by what we construct — but also by what we cultivate.