Gisthood 
…Commends them on Leadership in Food Security
The Good Governance Advocates of Nigeria (GGAN) has praised President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, for their transformative efforts in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Gideon Unazi, GGAN acknowledged the administration’s commitment to fostering economic growth and positioning Nigeria as a key player in global food markets. The shift from subsistence farming to a structured agribusiness ecosystem, Unazi stated, is crucial for empowering farmers and encouraging private sector-led development.
Key Agricultural Reforms Yielding Results
Unazi highlighted several reforms that have contributed to Nigeria’s agricultural progress:
- The declaration of a state of emergency on agriculture.
- Temporary suspension of tariffs on imported grains and essential food items.
- Strategic collaborations with international development institutions such as the African Development Bank, the World Bank, and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
- The lifting of the ban on food importation across land borders.
- Strengthening of the Naira.
- Suspension of bulk grain purchases by UN and US agencies for distribution to IDP camps.
These measures, according to Unazi, have played a significant role in the recent decline in food prices.
Recognition of Nigeria’s Leadership in Agriculture
Unazi further noted that the election of Minister Kyari as the Vice Chairman of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) reflects Nigeria’s growing leadership in global agricultural development.
The Ministry’s initiative to distribute over 2.1 million bags of fertilizers and provide food aid to flood-affected communities has also been instrumental in boosting agricultural productivity and supporting vulnerable populations.
Significant Decline in Food Prices
The statement emphasized that food prices have dropped significantly in recent weeks, citing reports from reputable media outlets:
- A 40% decline in grain prices, as reported by Al Jazeera.
- BusinessDay’s report on price reductions ranging from 23% for imported rice to 70% for tomatoes.
- The cost of beans, yam, rice, tomatoes, and garri has also fallen between 10% and 70%, bringing relief to millions of Nigerians.
Call for Sustained Efforts in Food Security
Gisthood futher reports that GGAN commended President Tinubu and Minister Kyari for their leadership and urged the administration to continue implementing policies that enhance food security and economic stability.
The organization also called on stakeholders to support government initiatives that promote sustainable agricultural development. With the ongoing decline in food prices, GGAN expressed optimism that Nigeria is on the right path to achieving food security and reducing poverty.
