The Federal Government has unveiled plans to expand Nigeria’s Strategic Food Reserve as part of a broader effort to strengthen food security, stabilize prices, and inject fresh liquidity into the agricultural sector. The move is aimed at empowering farmers to cultivate crops year-round, particularly during the dry season.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this during a working visit to key agricultural facilities in Kaduna alongside the Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Abdullahi Aliyu. The visit coincided with the 47th regular meeting of the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security (NCAFS).
Speaking during the tour, Kyari assured farmers that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to addressing the dual challenge of rising input costs and falling food prices. “While farmers are worried about dropping market prices, they also face high input costs. The President is working to strike a balance that supports both the welfare of citizens and the livelihood of farmers. Soon, we will increase our strategic reserves to inject financial liquidity into the sector and enable year-round production,” the minister said.
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Kyari expressed satisfaction with the level of commitment shown by local processors and farmers toward achieving national food security. He said their activities align with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes agricultural self-sufficiency and rural prosperity.
The minister and his delegation visited major agribusinesses and processing facilities, including Olam Agri, TMDK Agro Park, DEBRANCH Farmers, Quality Afriexim Bank Quality Assurance Office, and Tomato Jos. These firms are key players in Nigeria’s efforts to boost food production and improve value chain efficiency.
Mira Mehta, Chief Executive Officer of Tomato Jos, highlighted the company’s contribution to food security through the production of high-quality tomato paste made from locally sourced produce. She said the company’s model supports smallholder farmers and promotes the idea of “local production for local consumption,” creating a ripple effect of economic growth in rural communities.
The Federal Government’s renewed focus on strategic reserves comes amid growing concerns about food inflation and rising living costs. With the expanded reserves, officials hope to stabilize market prices, ensure food availability during crises, and support the administration’s long-term goal of achieving national food sufficiency.
