The Nigerian Political Economy and Agricultural Sector

Nigeria, endowed with abundant natural and human resources, is paradoxically trapped in a cycle of agricultural underdevelopment and economic fragility. Despite the sector’s role in food security, employment, and non-oil revenue generation, the Nigerian agricultural sector reflects systemic distortions of the nation’s political economy. The objective of this study was centered on examine the extent to which Nigeria’s political economy, defined by governance practices, economic priorities, policy orientations, and institutional frameworks, shapes the development of its agricultural sector. This study employs a qualitative research design that was grounded in a review of literature, policy documents, and institutional reports. A thematic analysis was drawn from empirical evidence from reputable academic sources using Google Scholar and Scopus databases. The study also integrates a political economy analytical framework to examine the intersections of power, resource allocation, and policy outcomes. The findings reveal a complex web of challenges: land tenure insecurity, governance failures, infrastructural deficits, and an overreliance on oil revenue. However, opportunities such as digital agriculture, youth-driven agribusiness, and policy innovations in the country signal a systemic transformation within the political economy if there is an alignment of political will with institutional reform. Therefore, in the country, revamping the agricultural sector requires a strategic recalibration of its political economy, anchored on accountability, policy consistency, and inclusive governance from the state.