The Federal Government has announced plans to replenish the National Strategic Food Reserve System in an effort to combat food insecurity and stabilize food prices in Nigeria. Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, made the announcement at the unveiling of the 2024 Global Food Policy Report, themed “Improving Food Systems for Healthy Diets and Nutrition in Nigeria: Policies and Actions”.
According to the report, Nigeria faces a daunting food security challenge, with the United Nations predicting that 82 million Nigerians, approximately 64% of the population, may experience hunger by 2030. The report highlights the need for the government to address climate change, pest infestations, and other threats to agricultural productivity.
Aliyu Abdullahi emphasized the government’s commitment to scaling up food production, stating, “We are working hard to ramp up food production to ensure food security and nutrition for all Nigerians.”
The report also reveals alarming statistics on child malnutrition in Nigeria, with 37% of children (6 million) suffering from stunting, and 18% experiencing wasting. The government’s efforts to restock the National Strategic Food Reserve System aim to address these pressing issues and ensure a food-secure future for Nigeria.
By replenishing the food reserve, the government hopes to mitigate the impact of food price volatility, enhance food availability, and support vulnerable populations. The move is a critical step towards achieving food security and nutrition for all Nigerians.
