Senator Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, declared on Friday that the federal government’s initiatives to combat food inflation are beginning to yield results, with essential food prices seeing a nationwide decrease of 50 percent.
Kyari, speaking during the 2026 ministerial stakeholders' retreat on agricultural transformation in Abuja, contrasted the current prices with previous years when food costs had surged to levels that were unaffordable for many Nigerians.
He highlighted that the government's efforts have also attracted significant investments into various agribusiness areas, helping to inject vital capital into the agricultural sector and foster economic growth.
The minister remarked, "This support has not only increased agricultural productivity but has also led to job creation, enhanced incomes, and improved competitiveness within Nigeria’s agribusiness landscape, setting the stage for a sustainable and prosperous agricultural future."
He added, "Our commitment to enhancing food security and the welfare of citizens is reflected in our actions. We aim to maintain this positive trend by tackling high input costs to ensure food remains both accessible and affordable."
As stakeholders continue to plead for higher funding for agriculture than what is allocated for security initiatives, they emphasized that agricultural jobs can inherently alleviate insecurity.
Kyari affirmed that by placing agriculture at the forefront of economic development, the government's strategies are beginning to produce tangible outcomes.
He acknowledged ongoing challenges but emphasized the administration's dedication to overcoming these hurdles, underlining that progress necessitates a collective effort and coordinated resources.
He stated, "We will persist in our collaboration with stakeholders, utilizing our resources and expert knowledge to propel growth and transformation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Let us continue to build on our successes and confront the upcoming challenges together."
His strategic focus involves developing vital value chains that position Nigeria as a significant participant in the international agricultural market. Key crops such as rice, maize, wheat, millet, yam, cocoa, and cassava have been prioritized to create new opportunities for countless smallholder farmers and stakeholders.
Through improving their productivity, the government has aided farmers in transitioning from mere subsistence farming to thriving agribusinesses, contributing to national food security and economic progress.
Kyari also noted that over the past two years, the federal government has enhanced agricultural productivity and food security through various initiatives, including the distribution of more than 1.9 million bags of fertilizers to nearly one million farmers, promoting sustainable soil management with the provision of organic fertilizers, and reinforcing regulatory frameworks.
Achievements recorded from 2024 to 2025 include the construction of approximately 170 kilometers of asphalt roads and 57 kilometers of earth and surface roads, significantly improving connectivity and access to markets.
Moreover, 296 solar-powered boreholes and water treatment facilities have been installed to facilitate access to clean water. The installation of 3,596 solar street lights has bolstered security and mobility, while 69 rural housing and market facilities have been established to enhance economic activities, alleviate poverty, and uplift the living standards in rural areas.
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