The Minister of State for Agriculture, Aliyu Abdullahi, has dismissed concerns about food scarcity in Nigeria, insisting that the country is not at risk of such a crisis.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Abdullahi assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu prioritises food security, which led to his declaration of a state of emergency on the issue just two months into office.
“Let me respond to the headline about the risk of food scarcity. Nigeria is not at risk of food scarcity; it has never been and will never be, by the grace of God,” he said.
He clarified that scarcity means a complete lack of food, which is not the case in Nigeria. Instead, he attributed current food challenges to broader macroeconomic factors beyond the immediate agricultural sector.
Abdullahi highlighted that, in addition to Federal Government-managed food silos, several states have adopted the buffer stock strategy, further strengthening food security.
‘Nigeria Meeting Rice Production Demand’
The minister also addressed concerns about Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in rice production, stating that the country has made significant progress in meeting domestic demand.
“We have gone really far in meeting the demand for rice production in this country. The local rice we produce is sufficient, but our taste buds have a preference for imported ones,” he explained.
Abdullahi assured Nigerians that President Tinubu is committed to tackling food inflation and stabilising prices to ensure that all citizens can afford the food they need.