Babatunji Wusu –
- The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has implemented immediate measures to combat the rising food prices.
- A 150-day duty-free import window for key food commodities such as maize, rice, wheat, and cowpeas has been established.
- The government will import 250,000 metric tons each of wheat and maize to support small-scale processors and millers.
- Strategic initiatives include supporting smallholder farmers, promoting agricultural mechanization, and developing youth and women-led greenhouse projects.
- A focus on improving nutrition security, supporting livestock development, and ensuring sustainable food systems is also part of the government’s approach.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has unveiled urgent measures to address the high food prices currently burdening the country. Minister Abubakar Kyari, in a statement shared via his official X account, revealed the introduction of a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities, which will include the suspension of tariffs, taxes, and duties for select food items imported via land and sea borders.
The primary commodities targeted under this initiative are maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas. The government’s aim is to stabilize food prices and enhance food security across Nigeria. To ensure transparency and fairness, the Minister stated that all imported food items will be sold at a Recommended Retail Price (RRP), and stringent quality standards will be enforced.
In addition to the import measures, the government will facilitate the importation of 250,000 metric tons each of wheat and maize to support small-scale processors and millers. The ongoing support for smallholder farmers will continue through existing government initiatives, with increased efforts to promote dry-season farming and agricultural mechanization. This will help reduce production costs, improve productivity, and promote the cultivation of more land, particularly irrigable areas.
Further plans include collaborating with the Nigerian military and paramilitary organizations to cultivate arable lands under the Defence Farms Scheme. Additionally, youth and women will be engaged in greenhouse cultivation of crops such as tomatoes and peppers to boost production and stabilize prices.
The Minister also mentioned the creation of a Ministry of Livestock Development, aimed at supporting livestock growth in line with the National Livestock Transformation Plan. Other initiatives include promoting fortified food production and scaling up the Home Garden Initiative, which is led by the Office of the First Lady.
Kyari emphasized that the success of these measures depends on the collaboration of all relevant stakeholders, assuring that the government is committed to achieving food security and ensuring no Nigerian goes to bed hungry. The government will continue to pursue long-term strategies while addressing the immediate needs of the population.
