Urban agriculture (UA) is an alternative to ensure food security and lead to environmental sustainability in Nigeria’s urbanising regions. Nevertheless, UA has been partially unexploited by weak policy attention and a lack of a proper infrastructural base.

This mixed-methods study incorporates a long literature review and a structured survey of 120 respondents in the main Nigerian urban areas. The survey assessed demographic factors, farming practices, the effects of UA on food security and the environment, and the challenges that prevent its practice.

The findings indicated that 58.3 per cent of the participants practice urban farming, primarily in container and backyard gardening. Approximately 62.5 per cent of them had increased access to fresh produce. Among the most mentioned environmental advantages are the decrease in waste (54.2%) and improved air quality. Nevertheless, limited space (50.0 per cent), expensive inputs (45.8 per cent), inadequate access to water (37.5 per cent), and low levels of institutional support were prominent limiting factors. Nonetheless, it showed that 83.3% of them were willing to make UA a part of urban planning, and 75.0% were in favour of UA in school programs.

UA has four demonstrable advantages of enhancing urban food systems and lowering environmental effects. To lend a wider effect, policymakers in Nigeria should resort to incorporating UA into urbanisation, land and resource accessibility, and institutionally and education-wise support.