Federal Government Pushes for Food Security Amid Agricultural Challenges

Nigeria is currently facing a serious food security challenge that threatens the well-being of millions across the country. Rising inflation, climate change, insecurity, and structural weaknesses in agriculture have combined to create one of the most pressing crises in recent memory. In response, the Federal Government has stepped up efforts to address these challenges with a series of ambitious programs and reforms aimed at boosting food production, stabilizing prices, and safeguarding the nation’s food supply.

Food insecurity in Nigeria has deepened significantly in recent years. According to recent reports, over 100 million Nigerians are classified as food insecure, with nearly 19 million experiencing acute hunger. This alarming figure has been driven largely by soaring inflation, which reached above 35% in early 2024, severely reducing the purchasing power of households and driving food prices to unaffordable levels for many families. The situation is compounded by the effects of flooding and erratic rainfall patterns that have disrupted farming activities across key agricultural regions.

To combat this growing crisis, the Federal Government has implemented a multi-pronged strategy designed to increase domestic food production and ensure sustainable access to affordable food. A central part of this strategy involves direct support to farmers nationwide. Over 190,000 farmers have received assistance to cultivate staple crops such as rice, maize, millet, sorghum, soybeans, and cassava. Notably, support was extended to over 100,000 wheat farmers during the 2023/2024 dry season, with plans underway to boost this number to 250,000 farmers in the coming dry season.

The government has also set a target to cultivate 750,000 hectares of land dedicated to maize, rice, wheat, and cassava under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme’s Agro-pocket project. This initiative seeks not only to raise food production volumes but also to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on food imports, which have historically been vulnerable to global market shocks.

Recognizing that high post-harvest losses severely limit food availability, the Federal Government is also investing in the development of cold chain infrastructure. These cold storage facilities aim to preserve perishable agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy, reducing spoilage and improving the distribution of food to markets across the country. This investment is expected to enhance food availability and stabilize prices by ensuring that produce reaches consumers in good condition.

However, the agricultural sector faces several formidable challenges beyond inflation and infrastructure gaps. Climate change continues to impact farming productivity in Nigeria’s northern regions, where prolonged dry spells and the drying up of rivers have made irrigation difficult for many smallholder farmers. For instance, in Sokoto State, the drying of key water bodies has severely affected irrigation farming, reducing crop yields and threatening livelihoods.

Insecurity also remains a major impediment to agricultural development. Conflicts between herders and farmers, particularly in states like Benue, have led to violence, displacement, and the destruction of farmlands. In May 2025, attacks attributed to itinerant herders resulted in the deaths of more than 40 people, creating instability that disrupts planting and harvesting cycles. This ongoing insecurity has forced many farmers to abandon their land, further exacerbating food shortages.

To mitigate these risks, the government is implementing projects like the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), a World Bank-funded program aimed at restoring degraded landscapes and building climate resilience in vulnerable farming communities. This initiative includes ecosystem restoration, improved flood control, and the expansion of irrigation infrastructure to help farmers adapt to changing climatic conditions.

The Federal Government’s food security efforts have also been reinforced by partnerships with international organizations and private sector stakeholders. Notably, Nigeria and France recently signed agreements worth €300 million to finance infrastructure projects, including those that will boost agricultural productivity and support food security. The U.S. government has similarly pledged nearly $200 million over five years to help improve agricultural resilience and household food security in Nigeria.

While these initiatives represent significant steps forward, substantial challenges remain. Inflation, though slightly moderated, remains high and continues to erode household incomes. Structural issues such as poor rural infrastructure, limited access to finance for small-scale farmers, and bureaucratic hurdles persist, limiting the pace of agricultural transformation. The government must also ensure that reforms are inclusive and reach smallholder farmers who form the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

For lasting progress, a holistic approach is essential. This includes expanding access to credit, improving rural roads and market linkages, strengthening agricultural research and extension services, and ensuring security for farming communities. Moreover, social safety nets and nutritional programs are critical to protect the most vulnerable populations, including children and women, from the adverse effects of food insecurity.

 

In conclusion, the Federal Government’s intensified push to achieve food security amid multiple agricultural challenges is a vital effort to stabilize Nigeria’s food system and safeguard the livelihoods of millions. Through targeted support to farmers, infrastructure development, climate resilience initiatives, and international partnerships, Nigeria is laying the foundation for a more secure and sustainable food future. However, continued commitment, sound policy implementation, and inclusive growth strategies will be necessary to overcome persistent obstacles and ensure that all Nigerians have reliable access to nutritious food.