The Federal Government is intensifying efforts to transform Nigeria’s agricultural and food systems through targeted programmes, strategic partnerships, and sustained investments across key value chains, according to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.
Speaking at the Quarterly Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement Session in Abuja on Friday, Kyari said President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has made food security a top priority, noting that recent interventions have already led to a 50 percent drop in prices of essential food commodities nationwide.
“Our efforts are starting to pay off, with a notable impact on food prices. These efforts reflect our commitment to improving food security and the overall well-being of citizens,” the Minister said.
Kyari outlined the Ministry’s focus on developing strategic value chains including rice, maize, wheat, millet, sorghum, yam, cocoa, cassava, soybeans, cotton, tomato, and oil palm. He said interventions such as provision of high-quality seeds, agrochemicals, pest management packs, and farmer training in 2024 and 2025 have significantly boosted productivity and livelihoods.
Rolling out transformation plans, Kyari highlighted the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme, supported by the African Development Bank, which aims to boost output by 60 percent, reduce post-harvest losses by 80 percent, and create jobs. Pilot projects in Kano, FCT, and Kwara have already profiled over 7,000 farmers, distributed inputs to 1,000 rice and tomato farmers, and cultivated 409 hectares under climate-resilient practices.
He stressed inclusivity, noting that poverty alleviation initiatives are targeting vulnerable groups, while youth and women are being mobilised to drive agrifood system transformation.
Earlier, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed that food security remains central to Nigeria’s economic stability and independence. He said agriculture occupies a strategic position in Tinubu’s reform agenda, adding that improved security in farming communities and investments in infrastructure are helping farmers return to their fields and expand market access.
Idris commended Kyari for convening the engagement forum, describing it as an important platform for dialogue between government and citizens on policies aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s food security framework.
By Ngozi Nwankwo, Abuja
