ABUJA – Nigeria’s crumbling road infrastructure is not just a travel nuisance; it’s actively pushing up transportation costs and making food insecurity in Nigeria a harsher reality. This stark warning comes from a new World Bank report. The study paints a clear picture: many rural roads are either unpaved tracks or in a dire state of disrepair. This makes it incredibly difficult for hardworking farmers to get their fresh produce from fields to markets, a challenge that becomes almost insurmountable during the rainy season.
The World Bank puts it plainly: “If areas of production and population centres are remote and it is difficult to move goods around the country, higher transportation costs can affect food security.” This directly links the state of Nigeria road infrastructure to the challenge of feeding the nation and the problem of food insecurity in Nigeria.
The High Price of Neglected Nigeria Road Infrastructure
The World Bank report goes deeper, explaining how Nigeria’s failing rural road network forces transport costs to skyrocket. The culprits? Poorly maintained vehicles struggling on treacherous terrain, and a general lack of consistent road upkeep. The heartbreaking consequence is massive post-harvest losses. Imagine farmers’ efforts wasted as perishable crops like tomatoes, vegetables, and fruits spoil before they can reach consumers. The report highlights a stark reality: “outside urban areas, trucks often travel empty or partly loaded, reducing efficiency and increasing costs.” This costly inefficiency is a major driver of these food losses in Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African nations, directly fueling food insecurity in Nigeria.
A Crossroads: Urgent Investment or Worsening Crisis
The World Bank isn’t just pointing out the problem; it’s sounding an alarm and calling for swift investment in rural road connectivity. Such action, the report suggests, is crucial to alleviate food insecurity in Nigeria. The recommendations are clear and actionable:
- Boost infrastructure upgrades: A significant scaling up of road improvements is needed.
- Smart integration: Rural road projects should be closely linked with agricultural development programs for maximum impact.
- Community power: Involving local communities in road maintenance is key for long-term sustainability.
By tackling the crisis of its road infrastructure, the nation can slash transportation expenses. This vital step will, in turn, strengthen food security and ultimately uplift the lives and livelihoods of its citizens.
By Abiodun Labi
