By Mercy Peter
The Federal Government has reaffirmed that food security remains central to Nigeria’s economic stability and poverty reduction, as it intensifies reforms aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity and improving food supply chains across the country.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Friday at the Quarterly Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement Session convened by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre.
Idris said agriculture occupies a strategic position in the broader economic reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the administration is implementing several reforms and programmes designed to boost agricultural productivity and strengthen food supply systems nationwide.
According to him, ensuring food security is not only an economic necessity but also a national imperative.
“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 stakeholder engagement session reflects President Tinubu’s governing philosophy of transparency, accountability and citizens’ participation in governance, stressing that the government remains committed to keeping Nigerians informed and involved in policy processes.
The minister recalled that when the current administration assumed office, the country faced significant economic challenges, including fiscal pressures, subsidy burdens and exchange rate distortions, which required decisive reforms to stabilise the economy and reposition it for sustainable growth.
Despite the initial difficulties associated with these reforms, Idris said the measures were already producing encouraging results, citing improvements in government revenue, renewed investor confidence and stronger engagement with international development partners.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to improve security across farming communities and transportation corridors, noting that enhanced security is enabling farmers to return to their fields and contributing to improved agricultural productivity.
The minister further emphasised that the administration is making substantial investments in infrastructure development, including roads, rail, power and digital connectivity, to support economic growth and improve market access for agricultural produce nationwide.
He noted that human capital development remains a major priority of the government, pointing to initiatives such as the student loan programme, improvements in primary healthcare services and targeted social investment schemes aimed at supporting vulnerable households and small businesses.
Idris commended the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, for convening the stakeholder engagement forum, describing it as an important platform for dialogue between government and citizens on policies designed to strengthen Nigeria’s food security framework.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to bridging the gap between government policies and public understanding by ensuring that Nigerians remain adequately informed about the administration’s reforms.
“Governance must not operate in isolation from the people; it must be open, responsive and anchored on dialogue. Today’s engagement demonstrates this administration’s commitment to keeping Nigerians informed and involved,” Idris added.
“Communication is not propaganda; it is accountability. It ensures that citizens understand government initiatives and have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback,” Idris said.
In his remarks, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to transform Nigeria’s agricultural and food systems through targeted programmes, strategic partnerships and sustained investments across key agricultural value chains.
Kyari noted that the ministry remains committed to working closely with farmers, development partners, the private sector and other stakeholders to improve agricultural productivity and strengthen value chains, while ensuring that food remains available, accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.
“Since assuming office, this administration has made food security a top priority, acknowledging the critical role it plays in maintaining national stability and sovereignty,” he said.
The minister added that ongoing initiatives in fertiliser distribution, mechanisation, improved seeds, irrigation and farmer support programmes are already contributing to increased agricultural output and strengthening the country’s food security framework.
