The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, has revealed that 118,000 hectares of wheat have been cultivated across 11 states as part of efforts to enhance food production and combat scarcity.
Abdullahi made the announcement on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today in Abuja. He credited President Bola Tinubu’s intervention through the National Agricultural Growth Scheme, Agro Pocket Project, for revitalizing wheat farming in Nigeria.
“When we came on board for the 2023/2024 dry season farming, we achieved what had never been done before. Wheat farming was previously weak, but with the President’s intervention, we cultivated 118,000 hectares of wheat across 11 wheat-producing states,” Abdullahi stated.
He added that contributions from private sector players, including Flour Mills of Nigeria and independent farmers, likely pushed the total cultivation figures beyond the government’s estimates. The initiative has already injected over 500,000 metric tons of wheat into the economy, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The minister also dismissed concerns about food scarcity, assuring Nigerians that the country is not at risk of food insecurity.
“Nigeria has not faced food scarcity, and by the grace of God, it never will,” he said. “There are macroeconomic factors affecting food prices, but Mr. President understands these challenges and is addressing them.”
To further boost agricultural productivity, Abdullahi highlighted ongoing mechanization programs aimed at enhancing farmers’ efficiency.
“We are introducing mechanization to increase productivity. Currently, four mechanization programs are underway, and equipment delivery has already begun. We are collaborating with state governments like Niger, Kebbi, and Kaduna to implement these initiatives,” he explained.
Abdullahi emphasized that Nigeria has adjusted its agricultural strategy to ensure year-round production of staple crops, preventing supply shortages and stabilizing food prices. This approach, he noted, is critical to sustaining food security and supporting the nation’s growing population.