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AFEX Partners Proshare on a Webinar on the Impact of COVID-19 on Nigeria's Food Systems

Commodities	2698 VIEWS
Commodities
2698 VIEWS

Wednesday, April 08, 2020 / 05:18 AM / By AFEX Commodities Exchange /Header Image Credit: AFEX Commodities Exchange

As the incidence of Covid-19 continues to climb commanding the focus of the world, a key fundamental remains essential to keep in sight in our daily tallying of the effects of the pandemic on individuals, households and the economy, which is the question of whether Nigeria can feed itself in the short to long term. The ability of Nigeria's food systems to support our population in the coming months as we continue to implement protectionist measures to push back the pandemic must be considered to enable us plan and execute appropriately, ensuring the continued availability of sufficient and nutritious food for all.

What is clear is that the global shock brought about by the pandemic has the potential to affect significant elements of both the demand and supply chains, and indeed is already doing so. In the short term, however, Nigerians need to be reassured of the status of the food supply in the country, which is enough to cover for our demand for the next 3-4 months provided our supply chains are kept working. Still, it is necessary to begin exploring measures to get ahead of domestic production concerns if current measures and realities are to persist.

AFEX Commodities Exchange Limited will be partnering up with Proshare to hold a webinar focused on these issues on April 10th, 2020. The theme of the webinar is "The Impact of Covid-19 on Nigeria's Food Systems" and will allow participants to explore the current situation in Nigeria's commodities market, as well as the actions that will be required by market players to ensure longer-term stability as we deal with the effects of the pandemic.

According to Ayodeji Balogun, CEO AFEX Commodities Exchange Ltd, "It is necessary to consider this on two levels. First we have to ensure in the short term that our supply chains continue running smoothly, allowing our existing food pile to be distributed properly and efficiently to avoid glut in some areas and scarcity in others. It is also necessary, however, that we start considering solutions to safeguard our next harvest, ensuring that producers and other value chain players can withstand the impact of disruptions that will arise from the Covid-19 pandemic".

Nigeria requires a robust and proactive response to any looming challenges to its food systems. Safeguarding our food production and distribution across states in the coming months is necessary to ensure that the health crisis on our hands does not become a food crisis affecting the most vulnerable members of our population.

To participate in the webinar, follow this link to register, and you will get the necessary details required to join the webinar from 4 pm on April 10, 2020.