The Federal Government says its agricultural reforms are aimed at ensuring food is available, affordable, and accessible for all Nigerians.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security revealed this in Maiduguri, where he outlined the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle food insecurity and support economic recovery through agriculture.
According to him, the ministry has adopted a multi-pronged approach to address key challenges in the sector, including insecurity, flooding, and overdependence on food imports—especially wheat and rice.
To cut down the annual importation of over six million tonnes of wheat, the government has launched a national wheat farming programme. A notable milestone is Cross River becoming the first southern state to join the wheat production drive, expanding the crop’s cultivation beyond its traditional regions.
He also stated that fertiliser distribution under the wheat programme has led to an increase in rice output by 58,000 tonnes, enabling the government to subsidise rice supply in flood-affected states. The rice programme has recorded successful harvests across the country.
Emphasising the importance of protecting both farmers and consumers, the minister noted that local farmers are responsible for producing 80 per cent of Nigeria’s food. He added that the government’s immediate priority is ensuring every Nigerian has access to safe, nutritious food at an affordable cost.
With Nigeria’s population projected to hit 400 million by 2050, the government is shifting focus to mechanised farming and youth involvement in agriculture as long-term solutions. Steps are being taken to restore tractors and essential farming equipment to boost productivity.
To reduce post-harvest losses, a bilateral agreement with Brazil has been signed, focusing on food preservation, processing, and storage. Additionally, Nigeria has partnered with Belarus to provide aggregation services that will help improve output significantly.
The minister also raised concerns over the misuse of government-supplied farming machinery, urging farmers to handle equipment responsibly. He disclosed that only three of Nigeria’s silo sites are currently operational, but plans are underway to reactivate the rest. The ministry, he said, will work with stakeholders to ensure full use of these key storage facilities.
