The Federal Government has said Nigeria requires no fewer than 25 million tonnes of maize annually to meet domestic demand and strengthen national food security.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, made this known on Friday, March 6, 2026, during the Quarterly Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement meeting held in Abuja.
Abdullahi explained that the government was intensifying efforts to boost local production in order to meet growing demand and reduce the country’s reliance on food imports.
“Our focus is on expanding local production so that affordable and nutritious food becomes accessible to every Nigerian,” he said.
According to the minister, ongoing interventions by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security are already impacting market trends, noting that prices of major food commodities have dropped significantly across the country.
“Our efforts are paying off. Prices of major food commodities have declined by about 50 per cent nationwide. These efforts reflect our commitment to improving food security and the well-being of citizens. We are also addressing high input costs to sustain an affordable food supply,” Abdullahi stated.
He added that strategic investments in key agricultural value chains are positioning Nigeria to become a major player in the global agricultural market.
The minister noted that the government has prioritised the development of rice, maize and wheat value chains, creating opportunities for millions of smallholder farmers and other stakeholders in the sector.
Abdullahi further explained that the ministry’s policies are aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at achieving food sovereignty for the country.
“The goal is clear: Nigeria must produce what it consumes and consume what it produces,” he said.
He disclosed that the ministry is implementing several reforms to transform the nation’s agricultural sector and expand production across priority crops.
The minister also urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration with state ministries of agriculture to accelerate productivity nationwide.
“Together, we can transform Nigeria’s food system and ensure sustainable agricultural growth for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Abdullahi added.
He described the engagement meeting as part of the ministry’s commitment to transparency, open governance and inclusive policy development.
According to him, the initiative will deepen collaboration among stakeholders and ensure that food remains available, accessible and affordable across the country.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the media, civil society organisations, farmers’ associations, agro-allied businesses, development partners, donor agencies and government institutions.
