The Federal Government has announced that Nigeria requires at least 25 million tonnes of maize each year to meet national demand, highlighting the scale of food security challenges facing the country.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Aliyu Abdullahi disclosed the figure on Friday during the Quarterly Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement meeting in Abuja.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting smallholder farmers through improved access to finance and additional agricultural interventions to boost domestic production.
Abdullahi stated that expanding local maize production remains critical to making nutritious food affordable, emphasizing that reducing reliance on imports is a top priority for the administration.
He claimed that prices of major food commodities have dropped by approximately 50 per cent across the country, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving food security and citizens’ well-being.
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The federal government has prioritized rice, maize, and wheat value chains, creating opportunities for millions of smallholder farmers and other agricultural stakeholders.
However, recent data reveal significant production challenges, with maize production declining due to insecurity and rising input costs.
United States Department of Agriculture data shows harvested corn fields in the 2024/2025 season stand at approximately 5.1 million hectares, the lowest figure since the 2010/2011 season.
In Katsina State, Nigeria’s second-largest corn-producing region, yields improved in August 2024, with satellite imagery indicating the highest levels since 2019.
Improved maize yields could help address malnutrition concerns and reduce pressure on food-driven inflation, which reached 34 per cent in June 2024.
Abdullahi stated that the Ministry of Agriculture is aligning policies with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to expand domestic agricultural production across key crops.
The Federal Government recently approved a N250 billion facility for the Bank of Agriculture to provide smallholder farmers with credit at single-digit interest rates.
The initiative aims to improve access to finance, strengthen productivity, and boost food security nationwide in collaboration with supporting institutions.
