The Federal Government has reiterated that achieving food security is crucial to sustaining Nigeria’s economic stability, strengthening national independence, and reducing poverty across the country.
This position was highlighted by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during the Quarterly Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement Session organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The event took place on Friday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
The disclosure was contained in a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Assistant (Media), Rabiu Ibrahim.
Idris stated that agriculture holds a critical role in the economic reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
According to him, the government is rolling out several reforms and programmes aimed at improving agricultural productivity and strengthening food supply chains nationwide.
“Food security is national security; a nation that feeds itself strengthens its independence, stabilises prices, creates jobs and reduces poverty,” the Minister said.
He explained that the engagement session reflects President Tinubu’s leadership approach, which prioritises openness, accountability, and active citizen participation in governance. He stressed that the government remains committed to keeping Nigerians informed while encouraging public involvement in the formulation of policies.
“Governance must not operate in isolation from the people; it must be open, responsive and anchored on dialogue.
Today’s engagement demonstrates this administration’s commitment to keeping Nigerians informed and involved,” Idris said.
The Minister recalled that when the current administration took office, the country was confronted with several economic challenges, including fiscal strain, the burden of fuel subsidies, and exchange rate distortions. He said these issues required decisive policy actions to stabilise the economy and set it on the path of sustainable growth.
Idris noted that although some of the reforms were difficult, they are beginning to deliver positive outcomes, including improved government revenues, renewed investor confidence, and increased engagement with global development partners.
He further disclosed that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to enhance security in farming communities and along transportation routes, explaining that improved safety conditions are encouraging farmers to return to their farmlands and increase agricultural output.
According to the Minister, the administration is also making significant investments in infrastructure such as roads, rail networks, electricity, and digital connectivity to support economic growth and ensure that agricultural products can reach markets more efficiently.
Idris also emphasised the government’s focus on human capital development, referencing initiatives including the student loan programme, enhanced primary healthcare services, and targeted social investment schemes aimed at supporting vulnerable households and small businesses.
He commended the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, for organising the engagement forum, describing it as a valuable platform for interaction between the government and citizens on policies intended to strengthen Nigeria’s food security system.
The Minister reiterated that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation will continue to play a key role in bridging the information gap between government and the public by ensuring that citizens remain well informed about the objectives and progress of ongoing reforms.
“Communication is not propaganda; it is accountability. It ensures that citizens understand government initiatives and have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback,” the Minister added.
He called on stakeholders, development partners, civil society organisations, and members of the media to sustain their support for government initiatives aimed at transforming the agricultural sector and building a more resilient food system.
Speaking shortly after the Information Minister, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said the Federal Government is stepping up efforts to reform Nigeria’s agricultural and food systems through targeted interventions, strategic collaborations, and sustained investments across key agricultural value chains.
He explained that the ministry remains dedicated to working closely with farmers, development partners, private sector players, and other stakeholders to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen value chains, and ensure food remains available, accessible, and affordable for Nigerians.
“Since assuming office, this administration has made food security a top priority, acknowledging the critical role it plays in maintaining national stability and sovereignty,” Kyari said.
The Minister added that ongoing initiatives covering fertiliser distribution, mechanisation, improved seed varieties, irrigation development, and farmer support programmes are already helping to increase agricultural output and reinforce Nigeria’s food security framework.
Among those present at the event were the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi; as well as other senior government officials and dignitaries.
