morganable agriculture/Food security
The minister explained that while farmers are producing more at relatively lower costs, challenges such as poor storage, inadequate transportation, and limited processing capacity continue to inflate prices before food reaches the market.
KaNo—
The Federal Government has attributed the persistent rise in food prices across Nigeria to gaps in processing and distribution, despite what it described as significant gains in agricultural production under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said although food production had increased and farm-gate prices had declined, consumers were yet to feel the impact due to inefficiencies along the value chain.
Kyari made the disclosure during an interview on Arise News on Friday, where he addressed concerns over the slow response of food prices to ongoing agricultural reforms.
According to him, a comparison of food production figures between 2023 and 2024 and the current output levels indicates that the government is making steady progress in boosting agricultural productivity.
“Let’s go down memory lane and think about the figures in 2023 and 2024. When you look at those and compare them with what the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration have done, we are on the right track,” Kyari said.
Gov Data Shows Clear Reduction In Production Costs -Kyari
He noted that government data shows a clear reduction in production costs at the farm level, but emphasised that agro-processing remains a major bottleneck preventing price relief for consumers.
“Even if you look at the National Bureau of Statistics figures, you would see that agro-processing has not come down, but production has come down. Which means at the farm gate, prices have come down considerably,” he said.
The minister explained that while farmers are producing more at relatively lower costs, challenges such as poor storage, inadequate transportation, and limited processing capacity continue to inflate prices before food reaches the market.
“These are other gaps that need to be looked at. But we have tackled the production of food, and we have seen considerable success in that regard,” Kyari added.
He further linked Nigeria’s continued dependence on food imports to rapid population growth, low productivity levels, and structural challenges within the agricultural sector.
“Due to certain factors, we’ve not been able to catch up in terms of the growth of population. We are growing on average about eight to nine million people every year. Twenty-five years ago, we were half of what we are today, and 25 years from now, we will be double what we are,” he said.
Kyari identified limited access to land, poor yields, and the high cost of inputs as critical issues affecting productivity.
Kyari Says Govt Is Addressing Production Challenges Through Subsidised Inputs
He noted that the government has been addressing these challenges through the provision of subsidised inputs and improved seeds to farmers.
“To catch up, we need to focus on productivity and having good quality seeds. This is what we’ve been trying to do; we’ve been able to impact a lot of farmers by giving them subsidised inputs and seeds,” he said.
As part of efforts to reduce reliance on food imports, the minister said the government is prioritising local processing and value addition, particularly through the establishment of Special Agro-Processing Zones.
According to him, the initiative is expected to significantly cut Nigeria’s dependence on imported processed foods, which currently account for a large share of food imports.
“When you look at food imports, it’s actually processed food that is on the rise, while farm produce imports are declining. That’s exactly what the government is trying to address,” Kyari said.
He explained that the Special Agro-Processing Zones would focus on production aggregation, storage, processing, and marketing, thereby strengthening the entire agricultural value chain.
“We have the SAPZs that will come on stream before the end of next year, all eight of them, and we are already moving into the second phase covering about 10 states. This will help reduce our dependence on processed food imports,” he added.
Security Improvements Promoting Increased Agricultural Output
Kyari also pointed to improved security conditions in parts of the country as a factor contributing to increased agricultural output, noting that farmers are gradually returning to previously inaccessible farmlands.
“A lot of our farmlands that were not accessible in 2023 have now been accessed. In 2024, there was a massive bumper harvest, and in 2025, even more than 2024,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the 2026 harvest would surpass previous years, citing improved productivity, stabilised input prices, and ongoing government interventions.
“Actually, much more than that of 2025. Productivity has increased, prices have stabilised, and the outcry over inputs has reduced significantly compared to 2023 and 2024,” he said.
The minister disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the Bank of Agriculture, and the National Agricultural Development Fund have implemented various support measures, including fertiliser distribution and input subsidies.
“The National Agricultural Development Fund issued fertiliser at no cost to farmers, while the Bank of Agriculture provided a 50 per cent subsidy,” he said.
On mechanisation, Kyari said tractors supplied under the Nigerian Agricultural Mechanisation Policy are already in use, with the government monitoring their efficiency and impact on land preparation.
“We want each tractor to cover at least 500 to 600 hectares annually. With about 2,000 tractors, we are looking at preparing close to one million hectares every year,” he explained.
He also disclosed that updated agricultural production figures for 2026 would be released between October and November, following the completion of the wet season harvest.
According to him, the government has directed the National Agricultural Extension Research Liaison Services to provide more frequent data to support year-round farming initiatives.
“We are trying to encourage all-year-round farming, so we have mandated them to give us figures at every cycle,rain-fed and dry season harvests,” Kyari said.
Despite the gains recorded, the minister acknowledged that more work needs to be done to ensure that increased production translates into lower food prices for Nigerians.
He stressed that addressing inefficiencies in processing, storage, and distribution would be critical to achieving food affordability and long-term food security.
“We are trying to balance the welfare of citizens and that of farmers. The progress is there, but we need to close the gaps between production and the market,” he said.
Analysts say while increased production is a positive development, structural reforms in infrastructure, logistics, and agro-processing will be key to stabilising food prices and improving access for consumers across the country.
