Federal Government has announced measures to strengthen food production and improve the distribution of agricultural produce as Nigeria approaches the main harvest season.
Gatekeepers News reports that Vice-President Kashim Shettima disclosed this on Friday while presiding over the seventh meeting of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) Steering Committee at the State House in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the PFSCU, the meeting focused on supporting farmers, improving the movement of food from producing areas to consumers, strengthening strategic reserves and ensuring government interventions reach areas where they are most needed.
Shettima said the government must increase Nigeria’s capacity to produce its own food while ensuring that Nigerians can access food at affordable prices.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, the government must continue to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to produce more of its own food while ensuring that Nigerian families have access to food at affordable prices.”
He also called for stronger coordination among federal and state governments, private-sector players and other relevant institutions to achieve measurable progress in food security.
The committee examined factors affecting food prices, including transportation, logistics, levies and access to markets. Members stressed the need to make it easier and cheaper to move farm produce from areas where it is produced to major consuming centres.
Marion Moon, Executive Secretary of the PFSCU, said the government needs reliable data to identify emerging challenges early and respond before they worsen.
“Our focus is to ensure that the Government has the evidence to act early and precisely, supporting farmers, improving the movement of food, strengthening preparedness and directing interventions to where they can make the greatest difference,” Moon said.
Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi also called for continued focus on farmers through improved irrigation, access to agricultural inputs, financing, production support and markets.
The committee further discussed the relationship between domestic production and trade policy, noting that trade measures could complement local production where verified supply gaps exist. However, it said such measures would be considered alongside strategic reserves, market conditions and the need to maintain incentives for Nigerian farmers and agribusinesses.
PFSCU also reviewed major food-system initiatives, including the $500 million Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth (AGROW) programme, the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism and the National Agro-Productivity System.
The government said these initiatives are expected to improve its understanding of farmers’ production plans, monitor output during the farming season, anticipate risks and strengthen coordination between federal and state interventions.
