SIR: Apart from the loss of lives and damages to infrastructure, every war has serious consequences not only for the two parties in conflict, but for the whole world. The staggering wide-ranging economic impact of war for the global economy is like waves of a silent tsunami, particularly, if one of the two parties of a war or both contribute(s) significantly to the global economy.

Earlier this month, the IMF raised the alarm that the ongoing war and associated sanctions will have a severe impact on the global economy. These sweeping consequences include inflation, shortages of food and fuel, severe starvation and global chain disruptions energy.  The reality is most of the world’s nations are dependent on Russia’s products and agricultural produce.

Few days ago, during his speech at the fourth Annual Nigerian Food Processors and Nutrition Leadership Forum, the chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, forewarned that Nigerians should be prepared for an impending food crisis within the next two to three months. He added that the effects of the crisis are already being felt in the food processing chain. There will be a shortage of wheat, maize and a lot of products. He advised the federal government to promptly halt the ongoing export of maize. Besides, Russia and Ukraine are the largest producers of the world’s potash and phosphate since they produce one-third of global output.

Indeed, 98 percent of wheat consumed locally in Nigeria is imported. That means the country produces only two per cent of its domestic consumption. According to the US Department of Agriculture’s data, Nigeria produces about 60 thousand metric tonnes yearly and the annual demand of the country stands at between 4.5 and 5.0 million tonnes.

So, the poser here is why are Nigerians not interested in cultivating wheat?