CurrentReport Blog Calabar, Nigeria — In response to the rising cost of living, Nigeria’s Federal Government is intensifying efforts to boost food security and agricultural productivity across the country. The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Temitope Fashedemi, highlighted these plans during the 46th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security, held in Calabar.
Addressing the Council, Fashedemi emphasized that the agriculture sector remains essential to Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth. He noted that the government is committed to ensuring food availability and lowering food costs through strategic policy reviews, collaborative agribusiness initiatives, and support for stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
Fashedemi stated, “Our objective is to enhance food security, generate employment, and foster wealth creation.” He outlined that the forum would assess current policies, refine strategies, and emphasize key initiatives such as strengthening sectoral linkages, boosting import substitution, and supporting export-oriented activities.
The Permanent Secretary added that the Federal Government is committed to incentivizing researchers, farmers, and processors, aiming to attract more investment into agriculture and ensure food stability for the Nigerian population.
Cross River State Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation, Johnson Ebokpo, praised the forum for choosing Calabar as the meeting venue, underscoring the state’s investment in grains, palm nut plantations, and other critical agricultural initiatives.
Representing the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Vice President Okafor urged the government to back these talks with immediate action, warning that effective implementation of decisions is vital to attain real food security.
