In a decisive move to address the escalating food prices, the Tinubu administration has announced a series of comprehensive measures aimed at stabilizing the food market and ensuring food security across Nigeria. At a press briefing today, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, outlined a strategic plan set to unfold over the next 180 days.
150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities
One of the central initiatives is a 150-day duty-free import window for essential food commodities, including maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas. This suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes applies to imports through both land and sea borders. Additionally, these imported commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) to prevent market exploitation. Addressing concerns over the genetic composition and quality of these imports, Senator Kyari assured that the government's standards will not compromise food safety.
Federal Importation to Boost Supply
To complement private sector efforts, the federal government will import 250,000 metric tonnes each of wheat and maize in their semi-processed states. These supplies will primarily support small-scale processors and millers nationwide, enhancing local food production capacity.
Guaranteed Minimum Price and Strategic Food Reserve
The government plans to engage with relevant stakeholders to set a Guaranteed Minimum Price (GMP) and purchase surplus food commodities. This initiative aims to restock the National Strategic Food Reserve, providing a buffer against future shortages and price volatility.
Agricultural Production Enhancement
Looking ahead to the 2024/2025 farming cycle, the government will ramp up production through sustained support to smallholder farmers and an accelerated dry season farming program. Efforts will include aggressive agricultural mechanization, collaboration with sub-national entities to identify and cultivate irrigable lands, and rehabilitation of irrigation facilities in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation. There will also be a strategic focus on engaging youth and women in greenhouse cultivation of horticultural crops such as tomatoes and peppers to stabilize prices and boost production.
Defense Farms Scheme and Livestock Transformation
In a unique collaboration, the government will expedite its engagements with the Nigerian Military to cultivate arable lands under the Defence Farms Scheme, encouraging other para-military establishments to do the same. Additionally, the Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee will be inaugurated on July 9, 2024, to develop and implement policies aligned with the National Livestock Transformation Plan.
Enhancing Nutrition Security
To ensure nutrition security, the government will promote the production of fortified food commodities and support the scale-up of the Home Garden Initiative led by the Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Implementation and Accountability
Over the next 14 days, the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) and the Economic Management Team (EMT) will convene with respective agencies to finalize implementation frameworks. The PFSCU will manage a dashboard providing President Tinubu with direct visibility into these interventions, ensuring transparency and accountability.
In his closing remarks, Senator Kyari emphasized the critical importance of cooperation and collaboration among all stakeholders to successfully implement these measures. He reiterated President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to achieving food security, ensuring no Nigerian goes to bed hungry, and addressing both immediate needs and long-term solutions for a sustainable food system.
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