By Faridat Salifu
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has assured that the federal government is taking both immediate and long-term steps to stabilize Nigeria’s food supply and strengthen the agriculture sector.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this during the distribution of farm inputs to farmers in Cross River State, noting that emergency interventions and focused humanitarian measures are helping to ease the country’s food shortage.
Represented by the ministry’s Director of Agribusiness and Market Development, Mr Bassey Iwara, Kyari said the administration is committed to reforms aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, expanding employment, and lowering the cost of living.
He highlighted collaboration with non-governmental organisations and the private sector as part of efforts to achieve these goals.
“Several programmes and projects have been introduced to address persistent challenges confronting farmers, with special attention given to making food more available, accessible, and affordable,” Kyari said.
The minister explained that short-term support measures include provision of essential farm inputs and equipment at reduced cost, particularly targeting small-scale producers affected by rising market prices.
Mr Ekori Nsan, state coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, said the interventions are designed to reach farmers across all levels, warning beneficiaries to use the items responsibly. Monitoring mechanisms have been put in place to prevent misuse or resale.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Asuquo Asuquo, described the support as timely and encouraging, saying it would help farmers maintain production despite rising costs.