LThe Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has articulated a bold vision for the nation’s agricultural future, emphasizing that the country should halt its food importation practices.
This strategic shift is aimed at bolstering domestic agricultural production and enhancing food security, essential components of the government’s economic recovery agenda.
According to The PUNCH, while speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, coinciding with the nation’s 64th Independence Day celebration, Edun declared, “The era of heavy food importation must end,” asserting that self-sufficiency is pivotal for Nigeria’s prosperity.
He elaborated that reducing reliance on food imports would be a cornerstone of the administration’s long-term economic strategy.
“We should not be importing food,” Edun stated, underscoring the urgency of this transition.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to empowering small-scale farmers through initiatives like the Nigerian Agricultural Growth Scheme, which will provide vital inputs, including seeds and fertilizers.
This support aims to enhance productivity during both wet and dry seasons, thereby minimizing import dependency in the short term while laying the groundwork for sustained agricultural growth.
In an immediate response to rising food prices, the government has sanctioned imports of maize and wheat to stabilize the food market.
However, Edun cautioned against overwhelming domestic production with excess imports.
“It is critical that we do not disrupt domestic production of food. It is critical that we do not disrupt farming in Nigeria by flooding the market with imports,” he warned, stressing the need for a balanced approach.
Edun’s remarks resonate amid a backdrop of escalating food costs and a struggling agricultural sector, which lags in productivity compared to global standards.
The government aims to more than double agricultural output by introducing improved local seedlings and modern farming practices.
This agricultural drive is part of a broader economic restructuring effort as Nigeria adapts to the consequences of recent fuel subsidy removals.
In tandem with Edun’s vision, Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, pointed out the pressing challenges posed by the country’s burgeoning population.
He noted that Nigeria’s population has surged from 119 million in 1999 to approximately 230 million today, leading to an increased demand for infrastructure, education, and healthcare services.
“There are 230 million of us. Not surprisingly, demand for government services, infrastructure, financing for education, and health services has grown significantly,” Bagudu remarked.
He further elaborated that, “In fact, in 1999, which is 25 years into our democratic journey, our population was 119 million. But while our population has been growing fivefold, our economy has not expanded as quickly as the population has expanded.”
This comprehensive strategy reflects Nigeria’s determination to achieve agricultural independence and respond effectively to the challenges of a growing population and rising food demands, laying a foundation for sustainable economic growth.
