The reaffirmation by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to the effect that ensuring food security remains critical to Nigeria’s economic stability, national independence, and poverty reduction is quite germane and soothing.
Coming on the heels of a food security report released on October 31, 2025 in Abuja by Cadre Harmonisé (CH) that no fewer than 34.7 million Nigerians across 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) may face severe food and nutrition insecurity between June and August 2026, the minister’s statement could not have been more assuring.
Speaking during the Quarterly Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement Session convened by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security recently in Abuja, Idris explained that agriculture occupies a strategic position in the broader economic reform agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration. He noted that the federal government is implementing reforms and programmes designed to strengthen agricultural productivity and food supply chains.
“Food security is national security; a nation that feeds itself strengthens its independence, stabilises prices, creates jobs and reduces poverty,” he said.
He said that the engagement session reflects the president’s governing philosophy of transparency, accountability, and citizens’ participation in governance, stressing that the federal government remains committed to keeping Nigerians informed and involved in the policy-making process.
“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 said.
The minister explained that when the current administration assumed office, Nigeria 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.
According to him, the difficult but necessary decisions taken by the president are already yielding encouraging results, with improvements in government revenue, renewed investor confidence, and stronger engagement with international partners.
Idris also highlighted ongoing efforts by the government to strengthen security across farming communities and transportation corridors, noting that improved security is enabling farmers to return to their fields and boosting agricultural productivity.
He emphasised that the administration is investing heavily in infrastructure development, including roads, rail, power, and digital connectivity, to support economic expansion and improve market access for agricultural produce across the country.
The minister stated that human capital development remains a key priority for the government, citing initiatives such as the student loan programme, improvements in primary healthcare services, and targeted social investment programmes designed to support vulnerable households and small businesses.
Idris commended the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, for convening the stakeholders’ engagement forum, describing it as an important platform for dialogue between government and citizens on policies aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s food security framework.
He reaffirmed that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation will continue to bridge the gap between government policies and public understanding by ensuring that Nigerians are well informed about the objectives and progress of the administration’s reforms.
“Communication is not propaganda; it is accountability. It ensures that citizens understand government initiatives and have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback,” the minister added.
He urged stakeholders, development partners, civil society organisations, and the media to continue supporting government efforts to transform Nigeria’s agriculture sector and build a more resilient food system.
Also speaking, 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.
He noted that the ministry remains committed to working closely with farmers, development partners, the private sector, and other stakeholders to strengthen agricultural productivity, improve value chains, and ensure 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,” Kyari 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 Nigeria’s food security framework.
While Blueprint.ng acknowledges the initiatives of the Tinubu’s renewed hope administration to boost food security as a catalyst to achieving a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030, it is expedient to urge the government to ensure that the gains and impact of these reforms are sustained and consolidated.
We particularly note the National Agricultural Mechanisation Programme, which was launched last year by President Tinubu across the six geopolitical zones of the country to enhance food production. The scheme, which offers an ambitious prospect of modernising production, raising yields, and creating sustainable rural employment, needs to be activated for greater service delivery.
Similarly, the National Agricultural Growth Scheme-Agro Pocket (NAGS-AP), implemented with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and state governments, should be sustained.
Overall, the Cadre Harmonisé (CH) food insecurity report that no fewer than 34.7 million Nigerians face severe food and nutrition insecurity between June and August 2026, is a wake-up call for government to act swiftly in order to avert this national tragedy. Thankfully, the Information and National Orientation minister has provided the placebo in this regard
