The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced that essential food commodity prices have decreased by up to 50% nationwide. He made this disclosure in Maiduguri at the Community of Practice Meeting of Commissioners for Agriculture, Health, Environment, and Rural Development. The meeting was organized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with the Borno State Government and supported by the German government.
The high-level summit, themed "Stronger Partnerships for a Food Secure Nigeria," brought together commissioners from across the federation. Kyari emphasized the administration's focus on food security, citing empirical evidence of progress. He challenged critics not to politicize the cost of living, instead encouraging them to examine the facts. According to Kyari, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration has prioritized food security.
Kyari highlighted the achievements of the current administration, including a reduction in food prices and expanded input delivery to farmers. The minister also mentioned investments in rural infrastructure and support for smallholder farmers. These efforts aim to increase production, enhance affordability, and strengthen rural economies. A more resilient food system is also a key goal.
The Maiduguri summit aimed to evaluate the Kampala Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Declaration and its Strategy and Action Plan for 2026–2035. The Kampala framework focuses on sustainable production, investment, finance, food security, trade, inclusion, climate resilience, and stronger governance. Nigeria has developed a 10-Year National Agrifood System Strategy and Action Plan to implement these commitments.
The CAADP Declaration is a comprehensive agrifood systems approach that prioritizes various aspects of agricultural development. The Strategy and Action Plan for 2026–2035 outline specific steps to achieve these goals. By adopting this framework, Nigeria aims to improve its agricultural sector and ensure food security.
Kyari's announcement about the 50% drop in food prices is a significant development in the country's efforts to address food affordability. The minister's emphasis on empirical evidence and progress suggests a data-driven approach to policy-making. This approach may help build trust and credibility in the administration's efforts to address food security challenges.
The collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Borno State Government, and the German government highlights the importance of partnerships in achieving food security. The Community of Practice Meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector. The event demonstrated a commitment to addressing food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Key points
- The prices of essential food commodities in Nigeria have dropped by up to 50% compared to pre-2023 levels.
- The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, emphasized the administration's focus on food security and challenged critics to examine empirical evidence.
- Nigeria has developed a 10-Year National Agrifood System Strategy and Action Plan to implement the Kampala Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Declaration.
