Plans are currently underway by the Federal Government to replenish the National Strategic Food Reserve System in order to tackle food Insecurity and maintain stable Food Prices within the nation. Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, announced the details during the launch of the 2024 Global Food Policy Report titled “Improving Food Systems for Healthy Diets and Nutrition in Nigeria: Policies and Actions”. The event was hosted by the International Food Policy Research Institute and Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition.
According to the United Nations, about 82 million Nigerians, representing 64% of the population, could face food insecurity by 2030. The organisation urged the government to address issues such as climate change, pest attacks, and other challenges affecting agricultural output. Additionally, the UN highlighted that in Nigeria, 6 million children, accounting for 37% of the child population, suffer from stunted growth due to chronic malnutrition, with more than half of them experiencing severe cases. There is a prevalence of acute Malnutrition or low weight relative to their height among 18 percent of children.
Production of essential crops will be increased to address the crisis.
Abdullahi addressed the audience in Abuja, emphasising the government’s commitment to increasing production, with a focus on crops like maise, cassava and rice, in order to address the current crisis. He highlighted that the country’s production is not limited to local needs but also serves the wider West African region. He added that the purpose of the National Strategic Food Reserve is to maintain a supply of food in order to regulate prices during periods of inflation.
The floods in 2021 had a significant impact on the reserve system, as stated by the minister. However, the government has taken steps to restore it, beginning with the upcoming harvest. Also, efforts are being made to provide farmers with agrochemicals to increase productivity. He urged citizens to support the government’s initiatives to tackle the issue and stabilise market prices. He expressed his dedication to increasing reserves in order to stabilise production by working diligently for that goal.
Unity among Nigerians will help address the challenge.
He expressed gratitude to all the attendees and call for unity among Nigerians to combat the issue of food insecurity. He acknowledged the reality that much of the produced in Nigeria is not just for domestic consumption, but also for the other West African region. This is evident when visiting border markets and witnessing the vast amount of food leaving the country. He expressed the importance of increasing reserves to stabilise production in the future.
Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Production Services and Rural Development, also voiced the committee’s dedication to supporting efforts to fight food insecurity and malnutrition in the nation during the launch event. He stressed the importance of everyone coming together to address issues. He highlighted the significance of farmers reaping the rewards of their hard work while emphasising the importance of high-quality harvests in relation to the health of the nation. He praised the event organisers and offered the committee’s support for future collaborations, promising to contribute to the partnership in any way they can.
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Lastly, Michael Ojo, the Country Director of GAIN in Nigeria, emphasised in his closing remark the critical role of data in shaping effective policies and interventions for battling malnutrition and encouraging healthy eating habits. He stressed the importance of immediate action to assist governments and stakeholders at every level in utilising resources like the Nigeria Subnational Food Systems Dashboard and various data outlets. He pointed out that this would lead to national nutrition strategies, pinpoint successful ways to enhance eating habits, establish achievable targets for changing systems, and address compromises to tackle malnutrition and promote healthier diets.