Fed Govt rolls out new strategy to stabilise food prices, boost production
The Federal Government has introduced a combination of short, medium, and long-term measures to reduce food prices, increase domestic agricultural output, and rebuild public confidence in Nigeria’s food system. This
The Federal Government has introduced a combination of short, medium, and long-term measures to reduce food prices, increase domestic agricultural output, and rebuild public confidence in Nigeria’s food system.
This was the focus of discussions at a ministerial policy dialogue held during the Nigeria Public Relations Week with the theme: “Nigeria’s Food Security: From Policy Paper to Public Plates; The Imperatives of Public Relations,” in Kaduna.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Mohammed Ibrahim, explained that the government’s current approach prioritises correcting market imbalances responsible for rising food costs and supply shortages.
He said targeted steps, such as lowering import tariffs on key agricultural inputs and commodities, have already helped to ease price pressures.
“Compared to last year when food prices were extremely high, the policies we introduced, especially import tariff reductions, have contributed to stabilisation,” Ibrahim stated.
The NADF executive secretary stated that alongside these immediate interventions, the government was working to strengthen local production by supporting farmers and agro-processors.
“Our focus includes providing farm inputs and supporting agro-processing. We are subsidising inputs for processors who integrate backwards into farming. Strengthening both production and processing is essential for policy success,” he said.
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Ibrahim explained that ongoing fiscal and tax reforms were directed towards improving agricultural value chains, stressing that food security now extends beyond farming to include effective communication, coordinated policies, and public engagement.
“Food security is no longer just about production. It also involves clear communication and shaping public perception to build trust and ensure results,” he added.
According to him, food inflation has declined to about 14 per cent, down from 25 per cent during the same period last year, though challenges remain.
“Prices are gradually coming down, but high input costs are still a burden for farmers,” he said.
To tackle this, Ibrahim said the government was promoting mechanisation, improving access to inputs, and delivering targeted support across key agricultural sectors.
“These efforts are beginning to show results, and we expect inflation to continue declining,” he noted.
A key driver of the strategy is the National Agricultural Development Fund, which is overseeing financing, implementation, and institutional support within the sector.
Ibrahim outlined the fund’s responsibilities, including boosting production across crops, livestock, fisheries, and agro-forestry, as well as providing affordable financing to farmers and agribusinesses. It also funds research, training, extension services, and emergency interventions during crises such as disease outbreaks or input shortages.
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The NADF executive secretary said the fund was working to expand financial inclusion in rural areas by linking farmers to formal banking systems and partnering with international donors to improve productivity.
Through its programmes, NADF has supported thousands of farmers nationwide. Its ginger development initiative has reached over 5,000 farmers in Kaduna, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Also, the Farm Input Support Programme has been beneficial to 50,000 smallholder farmers across all geopolitical zones, offering up to 75 per cent subsidies on seeds, fertilisers, and crop protection products.
Emergency interventions have also been provided to more than 2,000 onion farmers affected by crises in several northern states.
Ahead of this year’s wet season, Ibrahim said the fund plans to expand fertiliser support to 127,000 farmers across 25 states and the FCT under a new programme.
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The executive secretary said the NADF had secured billions of naira through partnerships with state governments and financial institutions.
Major investments include support for ginger production in Kaduna, a co-financing arrangement with Niger State for rice and maize farming, and funding support for fertiliser production, rice processing, and cassava value chains.
Its blended finance model has also attracted private sector participation, lowering borrowing costs and improving access to credit. One partnership has helped empower 15,000 young women in cassava farming in Oyo State.
At the state level, he said the fund was working with several governments to develop risk-sharing frameworks aimed at improving agricultural financing.
Ibrahim emphasised that all these efforts are geared towards achieving long-term food security and self-sufficiency.
“Our objective is to ensure Nigeria can sustainably feed its population while creating economic opportunities across the agricultural sector,” he said.
