As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark the 2025 World Food Day on Thursday, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security announced new short-term plans aimed at making farm inputs more accessible and affordable to smallholder farmers. The ministry said the recent drop in foodstuff prices is linked to an increase in local food production.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja after a Sensitization Walk held to commemorate the event themed “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, said the move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda to ease economic hardship for Nigerians.
“In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to ease economic hardship, the ministry is supporting smallholder farmers in all the states of the federation and the FCT with vital farm implements and inputs,” he stated.
He added that, “These will be provided at no cost to farmers, and distributed through Agricultural Commodity Associations, Farmers Cooperative Groups, Internally Displaced Persons, women, and youths as well as farmers with special needs. The essential inputs are part of our commitment to boosting food production and enhancing farmers’ productivity throughout the country.”
The minister emphasized that this year’s celebration was particularly significant as it coincided with the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a milestone marking global efforts to build a food-secure world.
“Likewise, the theme ‘Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future’ emphasizes the importance of global collaboration across governments, organizations, the private sector, and communities to build a peaceful, sustainable, prosperous, and food-secure future,” he said.
Abdullahi noted that Nigeria joined over 150 countries to celebrate the World Food Day with events and outreach activities designed to raise awareness of hunger and food security issues. These events, he said, were organized to inspire collective action for more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems that can withstand global challenges such as climate change and insecurity.
“As we reflect on the state of food security in our nation, we note that despite progress made and successes achieved, many challenges persist. The adverse effect of climate change, limited access to farm inputs, post-harvest losses, funding gaps due to rising input costs, low mechanization, and insecurity in major food-growing regions have decreased agricultural output, potentially threatening the food security of our most vulnerable populations,” Abdullahi said.
He further explained that these challenges have economic implications that affect the overall performance of the agricultural sector and its contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Despite the obstacles, the minister praised Nigerian farmers for their courage and perseverance. “However, I am heartened by the resilience and determination of the Nigerian farmers, who work tirelessly to feed our nation despite these daunting challenges. Battling harsh weather conditions, pests and diseases, navigating inadequate infrastructure and limited access to markets, and persevering through insecurity and economic uncertainty is a testament to our farmers’ strength and dedication. It is also a reminder that the backbone of our nation remains strong. Thanks to the unrelenting efforts of these unsung heroes,” he said.
Abdullahi revealed that the federal government has outlined a clear policy direction that provides a roadmap for implementing key agricultural programs aimed at increasing food production and achieving food security.
“In this perspective, our policy direction is fashioned towards increased agricultural output in the country in order to sustain the contribution of agriculture to the country’s gross domestic product, enhance livelihood, and attain food security,” he stated.
He highlighted that the government is stepping up its investment in agriculture through several initiatives, including the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanization Programme. “Recently, 2,000 tractors and over 9,000 specialized farming implements were launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the cultivation of over 550,000 hectares of farmland,” he disclosed.
According to the minister, “The expected outcome is to produce more than two million metric tons of staple foods and create jobs for Nigerian youths and women.”
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhta Maiha, explained the efforts being made by his ministry to enhance livestock production in Nigeria. He said measures were being implemented to modernize the livestock sector and reduce open grazing, which he noted would soon be phased out.
The 2025 World Food Day celebration in Nigeria ended with a stakeholder dialogue focused on advancing agricultural productivity and strengthening food security across the nation.