Nigeria Outlines New Initiatives to Boost Food Production

As Nigeria grapples with a deepening food security crisis, the Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. This renewed pledge was made during the 46th National Council on Agriculture and Food Security meeting, held in Calabar, Cross River State.

At the meeting, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Honorable Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, unveiled a series of measures aimed at bolstering the country’s agricultural sector. These include:

• Delivering agro-inputs, such as seeds and fertilizers, to farmers.
• Repositioning agricultural institutions and enhancing collaboration among farmers, herders, and communities.
• Developing irrigation schemes to ensure year-round farming.
• Improving soil fertility and establishing modern laboratories in research institutes.
• Partnering with universities and agricultural colleges to produce industry-ready graduates.

“These efforts are designed to foster synergy, encourage entrepreneurship, and drive sustainable growth in agriculture,” Kyari stated.

In addition, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, emphasized the need for leveraging technology and infrastructure to maximize agricultural potential.

“By combining innovation, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship, we can create sectoral linkages and promote social inclusion while addressing food security challenges,” he explained.

At the state level, Cross River Governor Bassey Otu, represented by his Deputy, Peter Odey, expressed his administration’s commitment to supporting smallholders with agricultural inputs and grants.

“Our goal is to empower farmers to increase food production and align with federal policies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,” Odey stated.

Food Security Crisis Worsens

However, while the government’s initiatives have been applauded for their long-term potential, they fall significantly short of addressing the immediate food shortages ravaging millions of Nigerians. Experts argue that while such efforts are commendable, they lack the scale required to counteract the immediate food crisis.

Over 31.8 million Nigerians currently face acute food shortages, with this figure projected to rise to 33.1 million by August 2025, according to the United Nations. Persistent security challenges, economic hardships, and the removal of fuel subsidies have compounded the crisis, leaving millions unable to afford basic staples.

The most glaring example of this crisis is the soaring price of rice, a staple food in Nigeria. A 50kg bag of rice now costs around N125,000, nearly double the national monthly minimum wage of N60,000. This surge in prices has rendered rice and other staples unaffordable for many households, exacerbating malnutrition, particularly among women and children.

In a bid to stabilize food prices, the Federal Government recently approved the regulated importation of food items, including rice, to bridge the supply gap. However, the implementation of this policy has been mired in bureaucratic bottlenecks, delaying the expected relief for Nigerians.

Many Nigerians have expressed frustration with the government’s perceived inaction, particularly regarding the delay in implementing the food import policy.

While the initiatives outlined at the Calabar meeting emphasize long-term solutions, such as agricultural education, research, and irrigation schemes, experts have called short remedies such as:  

• Fast-tracking food importation processes to stabilize prices.
• Addressing the root causes of insecurity to enable farmers to return to their lands.
• Introducing targeted subsidies to make food staples affordable for vulnerable populations.

Kyari urged stakeholders to embrace inclusiveness and transparency in agribusiness. He said, “Only through collective effort can we achieve sustainable food security.”

Many believe that Nigeria’s chances to overcome its current food crisis depend much on how fast the government can rise to the occasion and implement both short and long-term initiatives.