Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has announced that Nigeria requires at least 25 million tonnes of maize annually to meet national demand. The statement underscores the scale of food security challenges facing Africa’s most populous nation.
Okay News reports that Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Aliyu Abdullahi disclosed the figure on Friday. He spoke during the Quarterly Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement meeting in the capital city.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting smallholder farmers through improved access to finance. Additional agricultural interventions are also planned to boost domestic production.
Abdullahi stated that expanding local maize production remains critical to making nutritious food affordable. He emphasized that reducing reliance on imports is a top priority for the administration.
He claimed that prices of major food commodities have dropped by approximately 50% across the country. These efforts reflect the government’s commitment to improving food security and citizens’ well-being.
The federal government has prioritized rice, maize, and wheat value chains. This focus creates opportunities for millions of smallholder farmers and other agricultural stakeholders.
Strategic investment across key value chains is positioning Nigeria to play a stronger role in global agricultural markets. However, recent data reveals significant production challenges.
Maize production has declined due to insecurity and rising input costs. In 2024, total land area dedicated to corn farming fell to its lowest level in 14 years.
United States Department of Agriculture data shows harvested corn fields in the 2024/2025 season stand at approximately 5.1 million hectares. This represents the lowest figure since the 2010/2011 season.
In Katsina State, Nigeria’s second-largest corn-producing region, yields improved in August 2024. Satellite imagery and artificial intelligence from Mantle Labs indicated the highest levels since 2019.
Improved maize yields could help address malnutrition concerns. They could also reduce pressure on food-driven inflation, which reached 34% in June 2024.
Abdullahi stated that the Ministry of Agriculture is aligning policies with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The long-term objective is to expand domestic agricultural production across key crops.
The ministry is implementing reforms to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. Collaboration with state ministries and development partners remains essential to achieving sustainable growth.
The Federal Government recently approved a N250 billion ($166 million USD) facility for the Bank of Agriculture. This fund will provide smallholder farmers with credit at single-digit interest rates.
The initiative aims to improve access to finance, strengthen productivity, and boost food security nationwide. Supporting institutions include the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation and the National Agricultural Quarantine Service.
