Federal Government outlines initiatives to boost food production in Nigeria 

The initiatives were unveiled during the 46th National Council on Agriculture and Food Security meeting held in Calabar, Cross River State.

Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Honourable Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, outlined several priority actions during his address at the meeting.

“As priority actions, ongoing tasks include the delivery of agro-inputs to farmers, the repositioning of agricultural institutions, and deepening engagement among farmers, herders, and communities,” he stated.

In addition, the minister highlighted other collaborative efforts such as enhancing water resource irrigation schemes, improving soil fertility and information systems etc.

“Other initiatives include collaboration on water resource irrigation schemes, soil fertility and information systems, the establishment of laboratories in research institutes, and the repositioning of relevant universities, faculties, and colleges,” Kyari added.

The meeting served as a platform to evaluate existing agricultural policies, programmes, and projects at both the national and sub-national levels.

According to the minister, the primary aim is to “foster synergy, best practices, entrepreneurship, livelihood, as well as growth in the sector.” 

He explained that the government aims to harness these elements to maximize agricultural potential, create sectoral linkages, and promote social inclusion as part of its strategy to ensure food security nationwide.

The Federal Government has revealed that over 31.8 million Nigerians are currently experiencing acute food shortages due to persistent security challenges and the removal of fuel subsidies.

This biannual analysis, conducted across 26 states and the federal capital, attributes the worsening crisis to economic hardships and other underlying factors.