Nigeria Moves To Boost Food Security With Enhanced Agricultural Scheme

By Barth Ikiebe

Nigeria has taken a significant step towards achieving food security and economic growth by holding a high-level meeting on the operationalisation of the enhanced National Agricultural Growth Scheme (NAGS).

The strategic initiative presided over by the Finance and Coordinating Minister of the economy, Mr Wale Edun, aims to strengthen food security, stabilise commodity prices, and support small holder farmers nationwide.

Reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to macroeconomic stability and agricultural transformation, the Minister highlighted Nigeria’s 3.84% economic growth, rising foreign reserves, and a stabilised exchange rate as positive indicators.

He emphasised the need for efficient financing, mechanisation, and strategic commodity storage to enhance productivity and ensure price stability.

With funding support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and a newly signed Mechanisation and Commercialisation Programme with Brazil, the scheme will provide essential inputs, machinery, and financial support to 200,000 farmers during the wet season and 50,000 during the dry season, focusing on key crops such as rice, maize, cassava, and sorghum.

The Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Mr. Cornelius O. Adebayo, underscored the significance of a coordinated approach to agricultural development.

“This initiative integrates key ecosystem players to address commodity pricing, harvest losses, and productivity challenges, ensuring long-term food security and national reserves”, he stated.

The meeting also tackled challenges conclusion logistical huddles in food distribution, with renewed government efforts to strengthen supply chains and bolster strategic food reserves.

As Nigeria accelerates the implementation of the enhanced NAGS, the government reaffirms its commitment to ensuring food security, promoting economic growth, and improving the lives of Nigerian farmers and citizens.

With this bold initiative, Nigeria is poised to become a leader in agricultural development and a model for sustainable food systems in Africa.