Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

World Food Day: FG reiterates commitment to tackle hunger

POSTED ON October 17, 2024 •   Politics      BY Benedicta Bassey
Nigeria basic food and the president, Bola Tinubu/ Photo credit: Intel region

*Nigeria’s food loss stands at 855,629mt — FAO

The Federal government says it has redoubled it's strategy to tackle hunger in the country, even as nations of the world mark the 2024 World Food Day.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Dr. Aliyu Abdulahi said this at a  ministerial briefing to mark the day.

The World Food Day with the theme, 'The Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,' Abdullahi said much had been achieved in the sector as a result of the Federal Government’s policy initiatives and innovative funding.

Speaking about Nigeria's achievements in agriculture sector, the Minister explained that in  2017, Nigeria recorded significant achievement in the global agriculture sector, adding that it ranked first in cassava and yam production with 59.4 million tons and 47.9 million tons respectively.

He said the country also ranked 14th in maize production with 10.42 million tons and 4th in palm oil with 7.7 million tons in the same year.

According to him, in 2019, Nigeria became the largest producer of rice in Africa, with a production level of 9 million metric tonnes.

The Minister said, “This year, the Nigerian government has ordered immediate release of more than 102,000 metric tons of maize, millet, garri, in addition to other food commodities from the national food reserve to Nigerians as a temporary response to the nation’s rising cost of food.

“The administration has also resorted to importing some food commodities as an interim measure to augment food shortages. During the national broadcast on Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary, President Bola Tinubu emphasised the commitment to reducing food costs and increasing food production.

“The government is prioritising mechanised farming with the aim of accelerating agricultural production and promoting economic growth.

“This administration has outlined plans to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmlands across the country to grow maize, rice, wheat, millet and other staple crops to boost food supply and affordability. The strategy involves collaboration with state governments to stem inflation and enhance food security in the country.

“Economic opportunities are being enhanced for inclusive participation of small and marginal farmers, women and youths to create jobs, reduce poverty, and boost economic growth.

“It is the resolve of the present administration to develop the agriculture sector towards the attainment of the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, especially those of zero hunger and to improve agriculture and rural productivity.”

He stressed that Nigeria contributes significantly to the total food supply in West Africa.

On the need to tackle food insecurity, the minister said the "Federal Government is committed to building productive and sustainable partnership with international development partners to upscale interventions in numerous agricultural value chains to prevent further deterioration in food security conditions in the country and beyond.”

But the Assistant Country Representative, Food and Agriculture Organisation, FAO, Salisu Mohammed, said: “The March 2024 Cadre Harmonise protected 31.8 million people in Nigeria at risk of food insecurity, and just recently, the country was hit by yet another devastating floods in Kogi.

“Across Nigeria, an estimated food loss is about 855,629 metric tonnes, which is equivalent to the amount of food which could feed 8.5 million people for six months. Nigeria will face adversities again but there are solutions if we work together.”

He advised the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to make available an enabling environment for food production.

READ ALSO
Tinubu meets security chiefs, Calls for swift action against ongoing violence
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 24, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for an immediate end to the ongoing violence...

READ ALSO
Fani-Kayode criticises Mutfwang's leadership amid security crisis
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 24, 2025 0

PLATEAU, Nigeria - Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, and former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-K...

READ ALSO
2face get appointment as technical adviser to Benue Govt.
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 23, 2025 0

The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia    has appointed music legend, Innocent Idibia...

READ ALSO
Six dead in Okene Accident: Akpoti-Uduaghan Urges Immediate Road Safety Reforms
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 23, 2025 0

KOGI, Nigeria - Following a tragic auto accident in Okene, Kogi State, which resulted in the loss of...

READ ALSO
Tinubu returns to address escalating violence in Nigeria after Paris trip
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 22, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN) - President Bola Tinubu is set to convene with the service chiefs to address th...

READ ALSO
NPSA urges politicians to prioritise security over 2027 elections as Reps delay plenary till May 6
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 22, 2025 0

The Senate and House of Representatives have delayed their plenary sessions until May 6.  In t...

READ ALSO
Nigeria to conduct census as Tinubu unveils committee focused on technology, coordination
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 17, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - President Bola Tinubu officially launched a high-level committee on the upcoming na...

READ ALSO
2027: Northern Nigeria's commitment to secure 2m votes for Tinubu
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 17, 2025 0

PLATEAU, Nigeria - The Northern Nigeria Youths Union has pledged to secure more than two million vot...

OUR CHANNELS:

Father demands justice as Nigerian correctional service dismisses kidnapping allegations
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 24, 2025 0

PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria - Ogunsinasi Oluwaseyi, the father of 12-year-old Oluwaseyi Favour, who was r...


Ogun shuts  four companies for environmental violations
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 25, 2025 0

OGUN, Nigeria (NAN) - The Ogun state government, via its Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), ha...


IMF urges Nigeria to exercise fiscal caution amid economic reforms
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 24, 2025 0

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called on Nigeria to exercise caution in its expenditures...


FG urges IMF, World Bank to bolster economic reforms in sub-saharan Africa
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 24, 2025 0

Finance Minister Wale Edun has emphasized the need for increased global assistance to reform economi...


LASG short 66,000 healthcare practitioners, threat to quality services delivery
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 24, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria - The Lagos State Government is grappling with a significant shortage of medical prac...


Pope Francis to be buried April 26
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 24, 2025 0

Pope Francis’s funeral will be held on Saturday, the Vatican announced Tuesday, as world leade...


2face get appointment as technical adviser to Benue Govt.
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 25, 2025 0

The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia    has appointed music legend, Innocent Idibia...


Nigeria's Economic Reforms Boost Sovereign Credit Profile - IMF
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 23, 2025 0

The Assistant Director for Global Markets at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Jason Wu,  ...


Six dead in Okene Accident: Akpoti-Uduaghan Urges Immediate Road Safety Reforms
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 23, 2025 0

KOGI, Nigeria - Following a tragic auto accident in Okene, Kogi State, which resulted in the loss of...


Plateau NBA expresses outrage over violence, urges FG to protect citizens
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 23, 2025 0

PLATEAU, Nigeria - Due to the assaults and homicides occurring in Plateau State by alleged Fulani mi...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu