The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has reaffirmed that ensuring nationwide food security remains the foremost priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, as it intensifies efforts to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector and address persistent challenges in food production and affordability.

In a recent statement, Senator Kyari emphasized the administration’s unwavering commitment to revamping agriculture, describing food security as a cornerstone of national stability, economic growth, and social well-being. “This administration has demonstrated total political will to transform the agricultural sector of our dear country by making food security a top priority,” he stated, highlighting President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on food security shortly after assuming office in 2023.

The minister’s assertion comes amid ongoing initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which places agriculture at the heart of efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. Key strategies include scaling up staple crop cultivation, improving access to quality inputs for farmers, promoting mechanization, and building resilience against climate disruptions and market volatility.

Senator Kyari’s comments align with broader government actions in recent months. In late 2025 and early 2026, the administration has rolled out emergency interventions to combat pests affecting critical crops like tomatoes and sugarcane, distributed food and nutrition items to vulnerable states, and supported improved seed varieties through institutions such as the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT). These measures aim to boost output in key value chains, reduce post-harvest losses, and stabilize prices for essential commodities.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has also defended substantial budget allocations for the sector in the 2026 fiscal year, with projections nearing N1 trillion in total support. During budget presentations to the National Assembly, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, underscored that interventions focus on expanding production, enhancing sustainability, and fortifying farmers’ resilience despite constraints like funding delays and rising input costs.

President Tinubu has repeatedly echoed this priority, including in his 2026 budget presentation to lawmakers, where he pledged decisive steps to strengthen agricultural markets and maintain food security as a national imperative. The president’s recent congratulations to Senator Kyari on his election as Chairperson of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Governing Council further spotlight Nigeria’s leadership role in global efforts to combat hunger, with domestic reforms seen as a foundation for international contributions.

Experts and observers note that these declarations and actions respond to lingering food inflation and insecurity issues affecting millions of Nigerians. The government maintains that targeted programs such as youth and women empowerment in farming, import substitution, and enhanced extension services are yielding progress, with some reports indicating declines in prices for certain staples due to market interventions.

As Nigeria navigates economic reforms and global uncertainties, the Tinubu administration continues to position agriculture not only as a means to achieve food sovereignty but also as a driver for job creation, poverty reduction, and overall sustainable development. Minister Kyari’s latest remarks serve as a strong reminder of this commitment, signaling sustained focus on making Nigeria produce what it consumes and ensuring affordable, nutritious food for all citizens.