Nigeria is preparing to significantly reduce its reliance on food imports, according to Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. During a press briefing held in Abuja in celebration of the nation’s 64th Independence Day, Edun outlined the government’s plan to boost local agricultural output and strengthen food security.
He emphasized the need for the country to become self-sufficient in food production, declaring that “the era of excessive food importation must come to an end.” Edun noted that the government would provide crucial support to small-scale farmers through initiatives such as the Nigerian Agricultural Growth Scheme, offering resources like seeds and fertilizer.
This support is aimed at increasing productivity during both wet and dry farming seasons, with the goal of reducing import dependence in the short term and improving agricultural output over time. While maize and wheat imports will continue temporarily to stabilize food supplies, Edun cautioned that imports must not undermine local farming efforts.
He highlighted that reducing food imports is essential for Nigeria’s economic independence, especially as the country faces rising food prices and challenges in the agricultural sector. The government’s broader aim is to more than double agricultural productivity through better seedlings and improved farming techniques.
The push to boost agriculture comes as part of a wider economic reform program, which includes measures to address the effects of recent fuel subsidy removals. Additionally, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, pointed out that Nigeria’s rapidly growing population, which has increased from 119 million in 1999 to 230 million today, has added pressure on infrastructure, education, and healthcare demands.
