Nigeria's Agricultural Labour Crisis Deepens Amid Naira's Depreciation

Strategic Insights -

Nigeria's agricultural sector is facing an unprecedented labour crisis due to the naira's significant devaluation against the CFA franc, which has priced out foreign farm workers from neighbouring West African countries. For decades, Nigeria relied on labourers from Benin Republic, Togo, and other francophone nations to fill the gap left by Nigerians' reluctance to take up strenuous farm jobs. However, the current crisis has left Nigerian farmers struggling to find replacements, and industry experts warn that the situation is pushing up the cost of farm labour.

Key Takeaways:

  • The naira's depreciation against the CFA franc has driven away foreign farm workers from neighbouring West African countries, leaving Nigerian farmers struggling to find replacements.
  • Average monthly wages for farmhands have jumped from ?25,000 in 2023 to over ?65,000 in 2025 - a 160 percent increase - due to the shortage of labour.
  • Much of Nigeria's farmland still depends on manual labour, with limited mechanisation, exacerbating the labour gap.
  • The average farmer in Nigeria is aged 60, and younger Nigerians are abandoning rural work for city jobs, further deepening the labour crisis.
  • Abiodun Olorundero, managing partner at Prasinos Farms, warned that the labour crisis is pushing up the cost of farm labour, making it unaffordable for many farmers.
  • Ibrahim Kabiru, president of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), stated that the naira's fall against the CFA franc has stripped away the incentive for foreign workers to cross the border.
  • Experts warn that the shortage is not just driving up wages but reducing efficiency on farms, resulting in lower food output and higher consumer prices.
  • Agriculture advocates insist that unless Nigeria fast-tracks mechanisation and supports farmers financially, the nation's quest for food self-sufficiency will remain under serious threat.
  • Prasinos Farms' Abiodun Olorundero highlighted the urgent need for policy interventions to address the labour crisis and ensure food security.

Statistics:

  • The naira has lost over 50% of its value against the CFA franc since 2023.
  • Average monthly wages for farmhands have increased by 160% from ?25,000 in 2023 to over ?65,000 in 2025.
  • The agricultural labour shortage is pushing up the cost of food production, resulting in higher consumer prices.

Sources:

  • "Nigeria's Agricultural Labour Crisis Deepens Amid Naira's Depreciation" - No specific date
  • All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN)
  • Prasinos Farms
  • Abiodun Olorundero, managing partner at Prasinos Farms
  • Ibrahim Kabiru, president of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN)