In response to widespread concerns over escalating food prices during the festive season and the resultant strain on citizens’ purchasing power, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has pledged that the Federal Government is actively addressing the surge in food inflation.

In a joint New Year message signed with Minister of State Sabi Abdullah, Kyari acknowledged the complaints from Nigerians about the high cost of food and emphasized the government’s commitment to curbing the inflationary trend.

“We would like to assure Nigerians that we have heard their cries and are working assiduously to arrest the high food inflationary trend that has been on for some time,” Minister Kyari stated.

Identifying affordability as a critical aspect of food security, Kyari highlighted the impact of transportation challenges, infrastructure limitations, and exchange rate volatility on the cost of food. He assured that the government is focused on enhancing food production, emphasizing the launch of dry season farming in November 2023, targeting crops like wheat, rice, maize, and cassava.

The Minister urged farmers to heed the advice of Extension Service Agents and called on stakeholders in the agriculture and food security sector to remain vigilant to opportunities in the New Year.

Highlighting key initiatives in the ministry’s Strategic Work Plan, Kyari emphasized formalizing processes to cultivate vast arable lands held by federal institutions, aiming to significantly increase agricultural production in secure environments. Additionally, plans include the reform of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) to facilitate affordable credit access for genuine farmers and the enhancement of insurance for stakeholders in the agriculture sector.