Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has stated that while Nigeria has made significant strides in boosting food production, consumers are still grappling with high prices due to challenges in processing and distribution networks.
Kyari explained that the reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu's administration have positively impacted food production, leading to lower prices at the farm gate. However, these benefits haven't fully trickled down to consumers because of issues that arise between the farm and the market.
"We are on the right track," Kyari told ARISE NEWS on Friday. He referenced figures from 2023 and 2024 to highlight the progress made. He pointed out that while production figures have improved, agro-processing hasn't seen similar gains. This indicates that the problem lies further down the supply chain.
Nigeria's ongoing reliance on food imports, Kyari noted, is a complex issue. It's exacerbated by rapid population growth, which currently adds about 8 to 9 million people annually. He also cited low agricultural productivity, limited access to land, and the high cost of farm inputs as contributing factors. These make it difficult for local production to keep pace with demand.
To combat this, the government is focusing on mechanisation, local processing, and establishing Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZ). The aim is to reduce the nation's dependence on imported processed foods. The minister expects to see a considerable reduction in food imports, particularly processed items, once the wet season harvest figures are tallied. Bans on exporting raw items like shea nuts are part of this strategy to add value locally.
The SAPZ initiative has eight zones expected to be operational by the end of next year. Plans for a second phase in about ten states are also in place. It's designed to cover the entire agricultural value chain from production and aggregation to storage, processing, and marketing.
Kyari also highlighted improvements in security as a factor enabling farmers to access land that was previously inaccessible. He reported that farmlands that were difficult to cultivate in 2023 became accessible in 2024. This resulted in a bumper harvest, with even greater yields anticipated in 2025 and 2026. This renewed access is attributed to the efforts of the government and armed forces in securing previously insecure areas.
The latest agricultural production figures for 2026 are anticipated between October and November, following the harvest of rain-fed crops. Traditionally, the National Agricultural Extension Research Liaison Services, a collaboration between the Ministry and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, provides these figures. However, the ministry has now asked for data after every harvest cycle to encourage year-round farming. Figures for the first dry season cycle are expected in March, with the second in June.
Nigeria's population grows by an estimated 8 to 9 million people annually. Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZ) are planned, with eight expected by the end of 2027 and a second phase in ten states. 2026 agricultural production figures are expected between October and November. Figures for the first dry season harvest cycle are due in March, with the second in June.