Nigeria is taking significant steps to reduce its dependence on food imports, as outlined by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja to mark the country’s 64th Independence Day, Edun emphasized the need for self-sufficiency in food production, stating, “We should not be importing food. Our future lies in self-sufficiency.”

This initiative is a critical component of the government’s broader economic recovery plan. Edun announced that the government is committed to supporting small-scale farmers by providing essential agricultural inputs, such as seeds and fertilizers, through initiatives like the Nigerian Agricultural Growth Scheme. This support aims to enhance both wet and dry season harvests, reducing reliance on imports in the short term while boosting overall agricultural productivity in the long term.

To address immediate food market stability, the government has ordered imports of maize and wheat; however, Edun cautioned against overwhelming domestic production with excessive imports. “It is critical that we do not disrupt domestic production of food. We mustn’t disrupt farming in Nigeria by flooding the market with imports,” he warned.

Edun’s vision for reducing food imports is not merely an economic necessity but also a crucial step toward achieving food security in Nigeria. He expressed concern over the current situation, remarking, “This is not where we should be,” and reaffirming that the new strategy will pave the way for economic independence.

The minister’s statements come amid rising food prices and challenges within the agricultural sector, which currently produces yields significantly lower than global standards. The government aims to more than double agricultural productivity by enhancing local seed quality and adopting better farming practices.

This agricultural drive is part of a more extensive economic overhaul, especially as Nigeria adjusts to the recent removal of fuel subsidies. In conjunction with these efforts, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, highlighted the challenges posed by Nigeria’s rapidly growing population, which has surged from 119 million in 1999 to 230 million today.

Bagudu noted that this population growth has significantly increased demand for government services, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. He emphasized, “While our population has been growing fivefold, our economy has not expanded as quickly as the population has expanded,” underscoring the urgent need for a strategic response to these challenges.