“Tomatoes wey be 100 naira last year don turn luxury item. Na wa o!” I overheard that in a bustling Lagos market. It drew laughter, but not for long. Because the truth behind the joke hits hard. Food prices in Nigeria are climbing at alarming rates. Farmlands are being swallowed by floods or scorched by heat. And though Nigeria is blessed with fertile land, more families are struggling to afford a simple meal. We are in the middle of a food crisis and it’s no longer something to ignore. But how did we get here? Food sustainability isn’t just about growing more food. It’s about ensuring that every Nigerian has consistent access to safe, nutritious, and affordable meals not just today, but long into the future. It’s about resilience in the face of climate change, population growth, and economic uncertainty. According to the World Food Programme, the number of food-insecure Nigerians surged from 66.2 million in the first quarter of 2023 to over 100 million by early 2024. That’s almost half the nation struggling to eat well. Sobering? Yes. Hopeless? Not quite. Because at FirstBank, we believe the solution lies not just in the soil but in the systems that support it. Through our Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability efforts, we are backing the future of food in real, tangible ways, supporting the people and practices that can shift the tide. We are planting deeper roots. Literally and figuratively. Empowering Agribusinesses: We’re supporting farmers and processors across Nigeria, from rice fields in Kebbi to cassava hubs in Ogun, with flexible, responsible loans tailored to agribusiness needs. With access to the right financing, these businesses can grow sustainably, feed more people, and build lasting impact. Driving Financial Inclusion: Smallholder farmers are the backbone of Nigeria’s food system, yet many operate outside the formal financial space. We’re changing that. By reaching into rural communities, FirstBank is enabling farmers to access credit, build financial profiles, and unlock tools they need to thrive. Investing in Knowledge: No farmer should be left behind in the age of innovation. That’s why we support training programmes focused on modern techniques, from smart irrigation to eco-friendly pest control, helping farmers increase yield and income while protecting the environment. Backing Community-led Solutions: From youth-led agritechs to women-led cooperatives, we are betting on people to lead change in their communities. Our focus on inclusion ensures that those historically excluded from food production, especially women, are now being equipped and empowered to feed Nigeria’s future. This isn’t charity. It’s strategy. Because you can’t build a strong economy on an empty stomach. And at FirstBank, we understand that a nourished population is the foundation of a thriving nation. So, while the challenges may be real, our response is rooted in purpose. We are not just banking on agriculture. We are banking on resilience, on innovation, on people and on a future where no Nigerian has to joke about hunger ever again. Reference Ladybird Limited https://www.firstbanknigeria.com
