By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening food security as a key strategy for economic stability, poverty reduction and national independence.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Friday during the Quarterly Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement Session organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
Idris said agriculture remains central to the economic reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the administration has introduced policies and programmes aimed at boosting farm productivity and strengthening food supply chains across the country.
“Food security is national security; a nation that feeds itself strengthens its independence, stabilises prices, creates jobs and reduces poverty,” the minister said.
He explained that the engagement session reflects the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and citizen participation in governance.
According to him, the government intends to keep citizens informed and involved in decision-making processes affecting national development.
Idris noted that when the current administration assumed office, Nigeria faced significant economic challenges including fiscal constraints, subsidy pressures and exchange rate distortions.
He said reforms introduced by the government were necessary to stabilise the economy and are beginning to produce positive results such as improved government revenue, renewed investor confidence and stronger international partnerships.
The minister also highlighted efforts to improve security in farming communities and along transportation corridors, adding that improved security conditions are enabling farmers to return to their fields and increase agricultural output.
He further pointed to ongoing investments in infrastructure such as railways, electricity and digital connectivity to enhance market access for agricultural products.
Idris said the government is also prioritising human capital development through initiatives such as the student loan programme, improved primary healthcare services and targeted social investment schemes to support vulnerable households and small businesses.
He commended the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, for organising the stakeholder forum, describing it as an important platform for dialogue between government officials, citizens and development partners on
strengthening Nigeria’s food security framework.
Speaking earlier, Kyari said the government is intensifying efforts to transform the country’s agricultural sector through targeted programmes, strategic partnerships and sustained investments across key agricultural value chains.
He added that the ministry is working closely with farmers, development partners and the private sector to improve productivity and expand food availability nationwide through initiatives such as fertiliser distribution, mechanisation, improved seeds, irrigation development and farmer support programmes.
Other dignitaries present at the event included the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, alongside other government officials and stakeholders.
