In a bid to tackle the relentless surge in food prices, the Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious plan aimed at stabilizing the nation’s food supply and reducing costs within six months.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, announced the initiative via his official X account, outlining a series of sweeping measures designed to bring immediate relief to Nigerians grappling with the skyrocketing cost of essential commodities.
Duty-Free Import Window Opened
A cornerstone of the plan is a 150-day duty-free importation window for selected food items, including maize, brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas. This policy, which suspends duties, tariffs, and taxes on these commodities at land and sea borders, is expected to boost local supply and drive down prices.
“Our administration has unveiled a series of strategic measures aimed at addressing the high food prices currently affecting our nation. These measures will be implemented over the next 180 days,” Kyari said.
Ensuring Affordability and Quality
To prevent price exploitation, the imported commodities will be sold under a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) scheme. Concerns about the genetic composition and quality of these imports have been addressed, with assurances that all items will meet strict safety standards.
“The government assures that all standards will be maintained to ensure the safety and quality of food items for consumption,” Kyari emphasized.
Bolstering Local Production
In addition to imports, the Federal Government plans to distribute 250,000 metric tons each of semi-processed wheat and maize to small-scale processors and millers. This move is designed to enhance the capacity of local producers and ensure availability at affordable prices.
“Engagement with stakeholders to set a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and purchase surplus food commodities will help restock the National Strategic Food Reserve,” Kyari explained.
Farming Initiatives to Boost Yield
The government is also doubling down on efforts to increase agricultural production through several initiatives:
- Support for Smallholder Farmers: Ongoing assistance to small-scale farmers during the wet season will continue, complemented by support for dry-season farming.
- Agricultural Mechanization: Plans are underway to mechanize farming processes, reducing labor costs and boosting productivity.
- Irrigation Expansion: Collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation will rehabilitate irrigation facilities under river basin authorities.
To further encourage agricultural expansion, the government is engaging with sub-national entities to identify irrigable lands for cultivation and exploring partnerships with the Nigerian military under the Defence Farms Scheme.
Targeting Women and Youth in Agriculture
Acknowledging the importance of inclusivity, the administration is promoting greenhouse cultivation of horticultural crops like tomatoes and peppers, with a focus on engaging women and youth.
“This initiative will stabilize prices and address food shortages, while increasing production volumes,” Kyari noted.
Livestock and Nutrition Programs
The Federal Government has also inaugurated the Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee, tasked with revitalizing the livestock sector in alignment with the National Livestock Transformation Plan.
A newly created Ministry of Livestock Development will oversee these efforts, while additional programs are underway to promote fortified food production and expand the First Lady’s Home Garden Initiative to enhance household nutrition.
Long-Term Vision for Food Security
The Minister underscored the government’s commitment to tackling the root causes of food insecurity, ensuring resilience in the country’s food systems, and building sustainable agricultural practices.
“My team and I will work swiftly and diligently to actualize these crucial policies, ensuring food security for everyone in the immediate term, while continuing our strategies for long-term interventions,” Kyari said.
Stakeholders’ Role in Success
The Federal Government’s ambitious plan will rely heavily on collaboration between various ministries, departments, agencies, and private stakeholders. Kyari reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resolve to ensure that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry, calling for collective action to achieve this goal.
A History of Food Crises
Nigeria has faced food security challenges for years, driven by factors such as climate change, inadequate infrastructure, and insecurity in farming regions. Despite being a leading agricultural nation in Africa, the country imports significant amounts of food due to insufficient local production and post-harvest losses.
In recent years, inflation, currency devaluation, and global supply chain disruptions have exacerbated the problem, making essential items like rice, wheat, and maize increasingly unaffordable for ordinary Nigerians.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
While many have lauded the government’s swift action, critics remain skeptical about the feasibility of the 180-day timeline. Farmers’ groups and economic analysts have raised concerns about the sustainability of these measures, particularly the reliance on imports and the potential impact on local producers.
“Importation is a temporary solution,” said Adebayo Ogundipe, a Lagos-based agricultural economist. “For long-term food security, the government must prioritize investments in infrastructure, research, and market access for farmers.”
Others argue that without addressing insecurity in key agricultural regions, the success of these policies may be limited.
