By Queen Kunde
As Nigeria joined the global community to commemorate the 2024 World Food Day, the Federal Government reaffirmed its dedication to addressing hunger and boosting food security.
During a ministerial briefing in Abuja, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, emphasized the administration’s efforts to ensure food availability across the country.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s event, The Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future, Abdullahi highlighted Nigeria’s agricultural milestones, attributing them to innovative policies and government funding. He recalled Nigeria’s achievements, stating, “In 2017, Nigeria ranked first in global cassava and yam production, with 59.4 million tons and 47.9 million tons respectively. “We also became Africa’s largest rice producer in 2019, with 9 million metric tons.”
The Minister noted that food security is a key focus of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. To mitigate the impact of rising food prices, the government released over 102,000 metric tons of maize, millet, and garri from the National Food Reserve. Abdullahi also disclosed that food imports had been temporarily introduced to address shortages.
“In his Independence Day address, President Tinubu underscored the government’s resolve to reduce food costs and increase agricultural production. Mechanized farming and the cultivation of 500,000 hectares for maize, rice, wheat, and millet are part of our strategy to boost food supply and affordability,” Abdullahi explained.
He called for greater involvement of smallholder farmers, women, and youths in agriculture to create jobs and reduce poverty.
The Assistant Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Salisu Mohammed, expressed concern over the state of food insecurity in the country, noting, “31.8 million people in Nigeria are at risk of food insecurity, and recent floods have worsened the situation.” He urged the government to provide a conducive environment for food production.
In his remarks, the President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kabiru Ibrahim, appealed to the government for increased support to farmers. “Supporting farmers is crucial to increasing food production and ensuring Nigerians have enough to eat,” he said.
As part of the celebrations, officials from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture visited farm clusters in Bwari Area Council and Government Girl Secondary School, Dutse, and embarked on a sensitization road walk.
The government remains committed to achieving food security and tackling hunger, aligning its efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly zero hunger.