According to Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, the cost of several basic food items has decreased by up to 50% since 2023. Speaking at the start of a Community of Practice Meeting on Monday in Maiduguri, Kyari made the assertion while addressing commissioners from all over Nigeria who are in charge of agriculture, health, the environment, and rural development.
With assistance from the German government, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security collaborated with the Borno State Government to host the summit.
The goal of the summit, which had as its theme “Stronger Partnerships for a Food Secure Nigeria,” was to improve Nigeria’s food security and productivity.
According to Kyari, the federal government’s objectives were to boost food production, lower food costs, boost rural economies, and create a more robust food system.
“Some essential food commodities have seen price reductions of up to 50%, along with increased input delivery, investments in rural infrastructure, and support for smallholder farmers,” he stated.
The minister urged Nigerians to evaluate the government’s performance using the data at hand rather than politicising the rising expense of living, stating that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has made food security a top priority.
To be honest, what was the price of a bag of rice and corn in 2023? What is it now? What is the percentage? Kyari stated, “Let’s avoid using these issues for political purposes.”
The Kampala Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) Declaration and its Strategy and Action Plan for 2026–2035, he said, would also be examined during the Maiduguri summit.
He claims that the Kampala framework addresses trade, inclusivity, climate resilience, sustainable food production, investment, financing, food and nutrition security, and better governance.
In order to carry out its obligations under the framework, Kyari continued, Nigeria had already created and approved a 10-year National Agrifood System Strategy and Action Plan.