Amid growing concerns over food security in Nigeria, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Aliyu Abdullahi, has dismissed fears of an impending food crisis, insisting that the country remains food-sufficient.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Abdullahi argued that as long as food is available in markets across the nation, the notion of scarcity is misplaced. He emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is fully committed to ensuring food security, recalling that Tinubu declared a state of emergency on food security just two months after assuming office.
> “Let me react to the headline I saw you talking about—risk of food scarcity. Nigeria is not at risk of food scarcity; it has not been and will never be, by the grace of God,” Abdullahi stated.
While acknowledging that food prices have soared due to macroeconomic factors, the minister clarified that scarcity implies a complete absence of food, which, he maintained, is not the case in Nigeria.
Abdullahi highlighted that beyond the food silos managed by the Federal Government, several states have adopted the buffer stock strategy, stocking essential food items to cushion potential supply shocks. This, he said, strengthens the nation’s food security and ensures availability even in times of economic fluctuations.
Addressing concerns over rice production, the minister insisted that Nigeria has made significant progress in achieving self-sufficiency in rice. However, he acknowledged that many Nigerians still have a preference for imported rice despite the availability of locally produced alternatives.
> “We have gone really far in meeting the demand for rice production in this country. The local rice we produce is sufficient, but our taste buds still crave imported ones,” he remarked.
Abdullahi assured Nigerians that the Tinubu-led government is actively working to curb food inflation, which has placed a strain on many households. He reiterated that efforts are being made to stabilize food prices and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of economic status, has access to a variety of food choices.
His remarks come at a time when rising food prices and inflation have sparked nationwide concerns, with critics questioning the government’s handling of the agricultural sector. However, the minister remains confident that strategic policies under Tinubu’s leadership will yield positive results in the long run.
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