The Minister stated that reducing food importation is not just an economic necessity but also a crucial step towards Nigeria’s long-term self-sufficiency and economic independence.
Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to significantly reduce its reliance on food imports as part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance local agricultural production and strengthen food security.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, during a press conference held in Abuja to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day anniversary.
Edun emphasized that the country’s future economic stability lies in achieving self-sufficiency in food production. “We should not be importing food,” he stated, underscoring that the heavy dependence on food imports must come to an end. He highlighted this shift as a key pillar of the government’s broader economic recovery plan.
The minister revealed that the government is committed to supporting small-scale farmers through the provision of critical inputs such as seeds and fertilizers under initiatives like the Nigerian Agricultural Growth Scheme. This support will target both wet and dry season harvests, aiming to reduce the immediate need for imports and enhance agricultural productivity over the long term.
To stabilize the food market in the short term, Edun announced that the government has approved the importation of maize and wheat. However, he stressed the need to balance this with measures that safeguard domestic production.
“It is critical that we do not disrupt farming in Nigeria by flooding the market with imports. Our focus must be on boosting local production,” Edun cautioned.
The Minister stated that reducing food importation is not just an economic necessity but also a crucial step towards Nigeria’s long-term self-sufficiency and economic independence. “This is not where we should be,” he said, reflecting on the country’s current reliance on imported food.
The announcement comes as Nigeria grapples with rising food prices and a struggling agricultural sector that produces significantly lower yields than global standards. The government’s long-term goal is to more than double agricultural productivity through the use of improved seedlings and better farming practices.
Edun’s remarks are part of the government’s broader economic overhaul, which includes recent policy shifts such as the removal of fuel subsidies.
Bagudu’s remark on food Importation In Nigeria
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, highlighted Nigeria’s growing population as a critical challenge. Bagudu noted that the country’s population has doubled from 119 million in 1999 to 230 million today, putting immense pressure on infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
“There are 230 million of us. Naturally, the demand for government services, infrastructure, and financing for education and health services has grown significantly,” Bagudu said.
He pointed out that while the population has grown fivefold, the economy has not expanded at a comparable rate, complicating efforts to provide essential services.
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