The Federal Government has invested over N200 billion in the agricultural sector to boost food production and enhance national food security.
In a statement on Sunday, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari disclosed that the ministry distributed over 2.15 million bags of fertiliser free of charge to farmers across Nigeria as part of its nationwide intervention efforts.
He highlighted Nigeria’s strides in agricultural development and noted that achieving food sufficiency has been challenging but possible through support from international partners like the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Bank.
Kyari also credited President Bola Tinubu’s administration for prioritising food security since taking office in 2023, referencing the president’s directive to ensure food sovereignty across the country.
The renaming of the ministry—from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security—was described as a strategic shift to address threats such as climate change, pandemics, and flooding.
The minister emphasised the need for mechanised agriculture and youth participation, stating that the laborious nature of traditional farming methods has deterred younger generations from entering the sector.
Kyari pointed to progress in rice and wheat production, noting that, by 2024, Nigeria no longer relied on imported wheat seeds. “We now produce almost 500 metric tons of wheat locally, thanks to advancements by our research institutes,” he said.
Despite ongoing challenges in rice affordability and availability, Kyari praised the outgrower scheme for supporting small-scale farmers.
He explained that the initiative provides short-term financing solutions aligned with farming cycles.
During a courtesy visit, The Gambia’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Security, Demba Sabally, expressed interest in adopting Nigeria’s rice cultivation model. After visiting Kebbi State, Sabally highlighted Nigeria’s achievements in irrigation, post-harvest handling, and seed development.
He also requested Nigeria’s support in appointing a Rice Ambassador to help guide The Gambia towards rice self-sufficiency.
“Nigeria has overcome the challenge of rice insufficiency, a milestone Gambia is still striving to reach,” Sabally said, noting that Gambia still imports over 80% of its rice, placing a strain on its economy.
