Nigerian Government, Stakeholders Recommits to Attaining Food Security, Eradicating Hunger

The Nigerian government says it will not relent in its efforts to end hunger and achieve food security in the country.

The Minister of state for agriculture and Food security Dr. Sabi Abdullahi stated this at the 2024 World Food Day Ministerial briefing in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

While highlighting the efforts of the government, Dr. Abdullahi said the current food crises in the country is directly linked to the insecurity, floods, subsidy removal and economic shock being experienced in the country.

“Nigeria’s current state of food security is threatened by continuous intensification of insecurity alongside economic shocks, floods and subsidy removal”.

He disclosed that all hands are on deck as the government is implementing economic reforms that would stimulate economic growth.

“To address underlying challenges impacting the attainment of our national food security goals, the Federal Government of Nigeria is implementing numerous economic reforms to stimulate productive capacity, create jobs and reduce cost of living. Emergency responses and targeted humanitarian actions have also been taken to ameliorate food crisis in the country”.

He noted that President Bola Tinubu is committed to increasing food production and reducing the price of food through mechanization.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, emphasized commitment to reducing food costs and increasing food production. The government is prioritizing mechanized farming with the aim of accelerating agricultural production and promoting economic growth”.

According to him, “This administration has outlined plans to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmlands across the country to grow maize, rice, wheat, millet and other staple crops to boost food supply and affordability. The strategy involves collaboration with state governments to stem inflation and enhance food security in the country”.

Dr. Abdullahi added that Economic opportunities are being enhanced for inclusive participation of small and marginal farmers, women and youths to create jobs, reduce poverty, and boost economic growth.

FAO

Meanwhile the assistant country representative of the Food Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations FAO Mr. Salisu Mohammed called on the federal, state and local governments to create an enabling environment for production through its agrifood policies.

“A holistic approach including government, private sector, civil society, and local communities. Government – needs to provide enabling environment for production and equitable access to safe and nutritious diets for all through its agrifood systems policies and Programmes”.

By doing that Mohammed said the private sector will be encouraged to invest in the country’s agrifood value chains and provide job opportunities.

“The private sector must be responsible for driving large scale production through deployment of innovative technologies and transparent business models”.

He said the FAO would continue to provide technical support to the government to overcome challenges of low productivity, extreme weather conditions, policies and strategies.

According to the FAO representative, women and youth cannot be left out of the agrifood system value chain as they are key stakeholders.

“Youth are crucial stakeholders in this effort. Engaging young people in agricultural innovation and sustainable practices is essential for fostering a food-secure future, we must empower them to become advocates for healthy diets and sustainable agrifood Systems”.

“Women are crucial in the agriculture sector. Women need a space at the table to be part of the dialogue in decision making Research institutes and universities -funding research to develop resistant and high yielding varieties, introduction of new technologies and techniques”.