FG Pledges Commitment to Boosting Food Security for Economic Growth
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening food security as a critical pillar for Nigeria’s economic stability, national independence and poverty reduction.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Friday at the Quarterly Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement Session convened by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
Idris said agriculture occupies a strategic position in the broader economic reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the administration is implementing key policies and programmes aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening food supply chains.
“Food security is national security; a nation that feeds itself strengthens its independence, stabilises prices, creates jobs and reduces poverty,” the minister said.
According to him, the stakeholder engagement session reflects President Tinubu’s governing philosophy of transparency, accountability and citizen participation in governance.
He noted that the Federal Government remains committed to keeping Nigerians informed and involved in the policy-making process.
“Governance must not operate in isolation from the people; it must be open, responsive and anchored on dialogue. Today’s engagement demonstrates this administration’s commitment to keeping Nigerians informed and involved,” Idris stated.
The minister explained that when the administration assumed office, the country faced significant economic challenges, including fiscal pressures, subsidy burdens and exchange rate distortions, which required decisive reforms to stabilise the economy.
He said the difficult but necessary reforms introduced by the government are already yielding encouraging results, pointing to improvements in government revenue, renewed investor confidence and stronger engagement with international partners.
Idris also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to improve security across farming communities and transportation corridors, noting that enhanced security measures are helping farmers return to their fields and increasing agricultural productivity.
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He further stressed that the administration is investing in infrastructure such as roads, railways, power and digital connectivity to improve market access for agricultural produce and support broader economic expansion.
The minister added that human capital development remains a top priority for the government, citing initiatives such as the student loan programme, improvements in primary healthcare services and targeted social investment schemes designed to support vulnerable households and small businesses.
Idris commended the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, for convening the stakeholders’ forum, describing it as an important platform for dialogue between government and citizens on policies aimed at strengthening the country’s food security framework.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to bridge the communication gap between government policies and public understanding.
“Communication is not propaganda; it is accountability. It ensures that citizens understand government initiatives and have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback,” he said.
Idris urged stakeholders, development partners, civil society organisations and the media to continue supporting government efforts to transform the agricultural sector and build a more resilient food system.
Speaking earlier, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to transform Nigeria’s agricultural and food systems through targeted programmes, strategic partnerships and sustained investments across key value chains.
Kyari explained that the ministry is working closely with farmers, development partners, the private sector and other stakeholders to strengthen agricultural productivity and improve food availability across the country.
“Since assuming office, this administration has made food security a top priority, acknowledging the critical role it plays in maintaining national stability and sovereignty,” he said.
The minister added that ongoing initiatives in fertiliser distribution, mechanisation, improved seeds, irrigation development and farmer support programmes are already contributing to increased agricultural output and strengthening the country’s food security framework.
Other dignitaries present at the engagement session included the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, and other senior government officials and stakeholders.
By PRNigeria
