The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), representing the leaders of the country’s thirty-six states, has affirmed their proactive stance in tackling the current food scarcity, economic difficulties, and widespread hunger across Nigeria through the implementation of various strategies and initiatives.
The governors have outlined the steps they’ve taken to mitigate the effects of the food crisis and the accompanying economic challenges.
A statement released by Halimah Salihu Ahmed, the NGF’s Acting Head of Media, in Abuja, highlighted the governors’ dedication to alleviating the hardships faced by Nigerians.
It was noted that President Bola Tinubu had convened a meeting with the state governors in February at the Aso Rock Villa’s Council Chambers in Abuja to discuss the rising food prices and economic distress, aiming to devise effective solutions.
The NGF report detailed efforts led by the NGF chairman and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, alongside Governors Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, and Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State. These efforts included collaborating with the federal ministry of agriculture to boost crop production and tackle food shortages.
In Akwa Ibom State, plans are underway to form an agency tasked with bulk purchasing of food items to sell them at reduced prices to the populace. Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has already submitted a bill to the State Assembly to establish this agency.
Ekerete Udoh, the spokesperson for the Governor of Akwa Ibom, conveyed Governor Eno’s request for patience from the residents, assuring them of his intention to sign the bill into law once it is approved by the assembly. He emphasized the commitment to bulk purchasing of food items, promising affordability and transparency in the process, and acknowledged the State Assembly for its swift action on the bill.
“We want to reassure our citizens that we empathize with their struggles and are diligently striving to secure food availability for everyone,” is a sentiment echoing the commitment to alleviate food insecurity.
“In Kano State, authorities have taken decisive steps by raiding warehouses of traders suspected of hoarding food supplies. Similarly, Yobe State has seen proactive measures with the government banning bulk grain purchases from local markets,” aiming to mitigate food scarcity and the surging prices of grains by curbing hoarding and exportation.
Niger State’s Governor Mohammed Umar Bago declared, “a prohibition on large-scale food purchases,” instructing security forces to “seize trucks loaded with bulk products and distribute the food among the populace.”
In a move to combat hunger and poverty, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State pledged to “foster investment in agriculture and agro-industrialization,” thereby revitalizing the rural economy. This was articulated during the 2023 World Food Day celebrations in Enugu by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, on his behalf. Governor Mbah is committed to “enhancing the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion” through significant agricultural investments, aiming to attract investors, support farmers, and develop rural areas.
As governors across states respond to the challenges of the food crisis, their efforts symbolize a promising start to a new chapter of growth and prosperity.
Additionally, “the Ekiti State government has allocated N1 billion towards boosting food production,” focusing on initiatives such as a tractorization subsidy scheme and an input supply program to support small-scale farmers. Moreover, an investment of “N1.2 billion, received as the initial installment from the World Bank-financed Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project,” is directed at transforming the livestock sector, showcasing a comprehensive approach to addressing food security and agricultural development.
The Ekiti State government has earmarked N1 billion for initiatives aimed at “empowering livestock farmers, enhancing livestock productivity, and facilitating youth and private sector participation in livestock enterprises,” as outlined in the NGF report. This effort will encompass “the revitalization of veterinary clinics across local government areas and the state veterinary hospital, the development of the poultry sector across the entire value chain, and providing training and support for feed formulation and artificial insemination,” among other projects.
In Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal met with Swedish Ambassador Annika Hahn-Englund to discuss “partnerships to boost the state’s economy and mitigate current hardships.” The talks aimed at “establishing collaborative efforts in key economic sectors, forging long-term relationships, and initiating transformative projects for the benefit of Zamfara’s citizens.”
Governor Lawal assured the Swedish ambassador of his “administration’s eagerness to promote collaboration and sustainable development across various sectors.” Sweden has shown a keen interest in forming partnerships with Zamfara State “to implement transformative projects and build long-term relationships that benefit the state’s inhabitants.” The Swedish Ambassador committed to providing “technical expertise in responsible mining, modern agricultural techniques, renewable energy infrastructure, and enhancements in education and healthcare services.”
State governors are planning to meet with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) to address food inflation and shortages through “increased crop production.” Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, alongside Governors Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, and Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State, lead this initiative. Governor Abdulrazaq remarked on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers Programme, saying, “it did not achieve much.”
The governors aim to participate in new agricultural programs focused on “cassava, rice, and maize” to “urgently improve our yield and deliver to the Nigerian population.” Governor Abdulrazaq underscored the objective to “get to a stage where we export our food,” addressing the issue of food being exported to West Africa due to the “devaluation of our naira, making Nigeria’s food the cheapest in the region today.”
He highlighted a shift in engagement with the Ministry of Agriculture, stating, “We have come to the realization that we have a new Ministry of Agriculture,” and emphasized that “the CBN took over most of what the agriculture ministry used to do” in the past. The current focus is on “strong engagement and sense from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture,” as the governors seek to “ramp up production and increase our yields per hectare so that we can feed West Africa, feed ourselves 100 percent, and export food.” Governor Abdulrazaq concluded by stressing the importance of maximizing “whatever subsidy that is coming from the federal government” with state-level enhancements to achieve these goals.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, highlighted the significance of the visit by four governors as a strong support for enhancing cooperation between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the states. He emphasized the goal of developing an agriculture sector that leverages Nigeria’s vast fertile lands, water resources, and labor force to increase agricultural production throughout the year. This initiative aims at reducing food inflation, generating jobs, alleviating poverty, spurring economic growth, and fostering inclusiveness.
Kyari expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic response from various state governors to the invitation for the second phase of the dry season food production program under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket. The engagement of several governors in visiting the ministry’s headquarters signifies a collective effort towards the success of the dry season food production program.
This collaboration discussion occurred against the backdrop of a meeting convened by President Bola Tinubu with all 36 state governors to address recent food price hikes and hardships. The meeting was attended by key federal officials and governors from various states, reflecting a unified approach to tackling national economic challenges.
Shortly after this meeting, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State shared his administration’s initiatives on food security, emphasizing the urgency of collective action beyond political divides to restore economic normalcy. Adeleke detailed steps taken by his government, including the establishment of a State Security Trust Fund, convening a food security meeting, launching a small farmers’ equipment lending service, and initiating a City-to-Farm program to boost food production and youth engagement.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed interest in deepening agricultural ties with the Netherlands to enhance food security in the state. The state’s efforts include plans for a red meat initiative, establishing a feedlot system, a butchers’ academy, and a meat shop to improve food production and storage.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, reflecting on the governors’ visit and discussions, expressed optimism about the political will and synergy in the agricultural sector. He emphasized the vision of significantly increasing agricultural production to address food inflation, poverty, and economic development while promoting inclusiveness. Kyari’s remarks underscore the federal government’s enthusiasm and commitment to partnering with state governments in achieving these goals, illustrating a promising path towards sustainable agricultural development and food security in Nigeria.