The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has announced a decisive shift aimed at reducing Nigeria’s reliance on food imports. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Edun emphasized the need for self-sufficiency in food production as a fundamental aspect of the government’s economic recovery plan.
“We should not be importing food,” Edun declared, highlighting that the future of Nigeria hinges on enhancing domestic agricultural production. He outlined the government’s commitment to supporting small-scale farmers through initiatives such as the Nigerian Agricultural Growth Scheme, which will provide essential inputs like seeds and fertilizers.
To stabilize the food market in the short term, the government has sanctioned the import of maize and wheat. However, Edun stressed the importance of ensuring that this does not disrupt local farming efforts. “It is critical that we do not disrupt domestic production of food,” he warned, underlining the balance needed between imports and local output.
Edun’s comments reflect a broader strategy to address rising food prices and improve the agricultural sector, which currently lags behind global productivity standards. The government’s long-term goal is to more than double agricultural productivity through better farming practices and improved local seedlings.
The minister’s remarks come amid Nigeria’s challenges with a rapidly growing population, which has surged from 119 million in 1999 to 230 million today. Abubakar Bagudu, Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and National Planning, pointed out that this population growth has significantly increased the demand for government services, infrastructure, and healthcare.
Edun concluded by asserting that moving away from food imports is not merely an economic strategy but a vital step toward achieving national independence and food security. “This is not where we should be,” he said, reiterating the government’s commitment to fostering a robust agricultural sector.
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