FG rolls out agricultural reforms to tackle food insecurity — Minister
The Federal Government of Nigeria has intensified its agricultural transformation efforts with new reforms aimed at improving food availability, affordability, and local productivity. This was disclosed by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, during a briefing in Maiduguri.
The reforms are anchored in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with strategic interventions targeting wheat production, input distribution, mechanisation, and bilateral partnerships.
Kyari highlighted the urgent need to address Nigeria’s reliance on food imports, particularly wheat, which accounts for over six million tonnes annually. In a move to localize wheat cultivation, more states have been integrated into the national wheat farming programme—with Cross River becoming the first state in southern Nigeria to join.
The Minister also cited improved rice yields, supported by federal input supply initiatives, which resulted in over 58,000 tonnes of rice—part of which was allocated to states affected by flooding.
Despite the fact that 80% of Nigeria’s food is produced by smallholder farmers, Kyari acknowledged ongoing affordability challenges for consumers. He stressed the importance of balancing farmer productivity with consumer access to affordable food.
To strengthen long-term food system resilience, the federal government has entered bilateral partnerships with Brazil and Belarus. These agreements focus on expanding capacity in food processing, preservation, and aggregation, which are vital for curbing post-harvest losses.
Kyari also pointed to challenges with storage infrastructure, noting that of Nigeria’s several silo complexes, only three are currently operational. He assured that the Ministry is working with stakeholders to restore and modernize these facilities as part of a broader food security push.
As Nigeria’s population edges toward 400 million by 2050, the Minister emphasized the urgent need to mechanize agriculture, engage youth, and discourage the misuse of government-supported assets. “These reforms are not just for today,” Kyari said. “They are about ensuring that Nigeria can feed itself tomorrow.”
Source- Tribune Online
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
As Nigeria doubles down on food security through strategic reforms, stakeholders across the agri-food value chain must prepare for new opportunities and evolving policy directions. This is more than a response to present food shortages—it is the groundwork for a resilient, competitive agricultural economy.
Strategic Insights for Stakeholders:
- Wheat Localization Signals Market Shift
The national wheat programme offers a new frontier for seed producers, off-takers, and processors. With Cross River entering the wheat space, southern states are now positioned to diversify away from traditional crops and capture value in a historically import-dominated segment. - Input Support Must Translate to Productivity Gains
Distribution of fertilisers and seeds is only impactful if paired with extension support, climate-smart practices, and access to markets. Private input suppliers and agritechs should align with federal programs to ensure uptake leads to yield improvements. - Consumer Affordability is a Dual Mandate
While supporting farmers, policies must also address food prices. Innovations in aggregation, logistics, and community-based storage can help reduce price volatility and improve rural-urban food flow. - Mechanisation and Youth Engagement = Scale
With mechanisation flagged as a priority, local governments and private partners should ensure access to machinery leasing schemes. Youth-focused cooperatives and agribusiness incubators can act as vehicles for rapid scale-up. - Silo Rehabilitation is a Hidden Opportunity
Only three functional silos out of several represent a missed opportunity in storage and grain management. Agritech innovators, cooperatives, and PPP models can be engaged to restore these assets and reduce post-harvest losses. - Bilateral Partnerships Open Value Chain Entry Points
Nigeria’s collaboration with Brazil and Belarus is a signal for international players and local firms to explore joint ventures in cold chain logistics, processing equipment, and agri-infrastructure.
Conclusion
The Federal Government’s agricultural reforms are reshaping the terrain for food systems in Nigeria—from farm to fork. Stakeholders who align early with these national priorities in wheat production, mechanisation, and post-harvest infrastructure stand to play decisive roles in Nigeria’s journey toward food self-sufficiency and agribusiness-led growth.
