Maize demand in Nigeria hits 25 million tonnes – FG

The Federal Government has said Nigeria requires no fewer than 25 million tonnes of maize annually to meet national demand and strengthen food security.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja during a Quarterly Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement meeting.

According to the minister, the government is intensifying efforts to increase local maize production in order to reduce the country’s dependence on food imports and ensure sustainable food supply.

“Our focus is on expanding local production so that affordable and nutritious food becomes accessible to every Nigerian,” Abdullahi said.

He added that recent government interventions in the agricultural sector were already influencing market trends across the country.

Abdullahi noted that the prices of major food commodities had dropped by about 50 per cent nationwide, attributing the development to ongoing agricultural reforms and interventions aimed at addressing high input costs.

“These efforts reflect our commitment to improving food security and citizens’ well-being. We are addressing high input costs to sustain affordable food supply,” he said.

The minister explained that strategic investment in agricultural value chains was positioning Nigeria to become a major player in the global agricultural market.

He said the government had prioritised the rice, maize and wheat value chains, which he noted would create opportunities for millions of smallholder farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

Abdullahi also said the ministry was aligning its policies with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to achieve food sovereignty in the country.

“The goal is clear: Nigeria must produce what it consumes and consume what it produces,” he said.

He further explained that the ministry was implementing reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and expanding production across priority crops.

The minister urged stakeholders in the sector to work closely with state ministries of agriculture to boost productivity nationwide.

“Together we can transform Nigeria’s food system and ensure sustainable agricultural growth for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Abdullahi said.

He described the engagement meeting as part of the ministry’s commitment to transparency, open governance and inclusive collaboration with key stakeholders.

Abdullahi said the initiative would strengthen partnerships aimed at ensuring that food remains available, accessible and affordable across the country.