The Federal Government has unveiled plans to build and expand Nigeria’s strategic food reserves as part of efforts to curb inflation, stabilise market prices, and strengthen the nation’s agricultural sector.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this during a working visit to agricultural and processing facilities in Kaduna State, held alongside the 47th National Council on Agriculture and Food Security meeting.
Kyari explained that the initiative aims to ensure price stability, enhance farmer incomes, and promote all-year-round farming, particularly during the dry season. He said the government is committed to rebuilding food reserves to serve as a national buffer against supply shocks and price fluctuations.
“By stockpiling essential food commodities, the government will be able to intervene when supply drops or prices spike, ensuring affordability for Nigerians and stability for the market,” Kyari stated.
According to the minister, the move will also improve farmers’ financial liquidity, encouraging higher productivity and sustained engagement in agriculture throughout the year.
Food inflation and supply disruptions have been major concerns in Nigeria, driven by insecurity, logistics constraints, and climate-related challenges. The renewed plan to strengthen food reserves is seen as a step toward achieving food security and reducing dependence on imports.
However, experts stress that effective implementation and transparency will be critical to the plan’s success. Previous reserve programmes were hindered by inadequate infrastructure, poor maintenance, and weak oversight.
Kyari assured that the government is addressing these shortcomings through modern storage systems, improved coordination with farmers, and private-sector partnerships to ensure efficiency and accountability.
“Our goal is to guarantee food availability, affordability, and accessibility for all Nigerians,” he added.
With this initiative, the Federal Government seeks to stabilise the food market, empower farmers, and create a more resilient agricultural economy. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
