The Federal Government has stated that it will reduce the level of food importation in the country, News About Nigeria reports.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, disclosed this while speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday to mark the country’s 64th Independence Day.
He noted that this will enable the country boost its domestic agricultural production and increase food security, adding that it remains the cornerstone to the government’s economic recovery plan.
He also stated that the government is committed to supporting small-scale farmers by providing critical inputs like seeds and fertilizer under schemes such as the Nigerian Agricultural Growth Scheme.
This support, according to him, will focus on enhancing both the wet and dry season harvests, reducing the need for imports in the short term while boosting productivity in the long term.
The minister maintained that relying on the importation of food is not the way forward for Nigeria’s economy.
Edun stated, “We should not be importing food.
“As an immediate measure, the government has ordered maize and wheat imports to stabilise the food market.
“It is critical that we do not disrupt domestic production of food. It is critical that we do not disrupt farming in Nigeria by flooding the market with imports.
“The government’s long-term goal is to more than double agricultural productivity through improved local seedlings and better farming practices.
“The drive to boost agriculture forms a key part of a broader economic overhaul, as the country also navigates the impact of the recent removal of fuel subsidies.”
