The Federal Government has projected a decline in food prices across Nigeria, attributing this to its commitment to food security through advanced farming techniques.
This announcement was made in Abuja during the 48th Annual Conference of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria.
Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, addressed the ongoing food crisis and reassured that the government is taking decisive steps to ensure nationwide food availability. “We are implementing various strategies to secure food supply and improve production through sustainable farming practices,” Abdullahi stated.
He acknowledged the current food challenges and emphasized the need for affordability as well as availability. “Our aim is not just to make food available but also to ensure it is affordable,” he added.
The minister also shared that preparations are underway for the upcoming dry season, with a focus on improving upon the previous season’s outcomes. He encouraged farmers with access to water to leverage dry season farming opportunities. Abdullahi highlighted recent successes, such as the significant drop in the price of Irish potatoes from N180,000 to about N45,000, attributed to increased production during the wet season.
The government is also prioritizing a national soil healthcare scheme, which will be implemented across all 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria. This initiative aims to improve soil health, increase agricultural productivity, and support sustainable practices. Soil testing laboratories will be established in all states and local governments as part of this scheme.
Prof. Jibrin Jibrin, President of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria, praised the conference theme, ‘Soil Health and Climate-Smart Agriculture for Resilient Food Security System,’ highlighting the importance of soil preservation in the face of population growth and climate change. He emphasized the need for science-based soil management to enhance crop yields and support national food security.
