The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared that the nation needs at least 25 million tonnes of maize each year to satisfy the growing demand and bolster food security across the country. This announcement was made by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, during a recent Quarterly Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement meeting in Abuja. The government aims to achieve this target by amplifying local maize production while decreasing reliance on food imports.

Sen. Abdullahi emphasized the government's commitment to improving access to affordable and nutritious food for all Nigerians. He noted that various ongoing interventions have begun to positively affect market dynamics, resulting in a significant reduction in the prices of essential food commodities nationwide. According to Abdullahi, the measures taken have led to a remarkable 50% drop in the prices of major food items, indicating that the country's efforts to boost local production are bearing fruit.

The minister highlighted the importance of addressing high input costs in order to sustain food production initiatives. By enhancing local food production, the government aims to improve food security, reduce vulnerability to price shocks induced by imports, and promote the overall health and well-being of its citizens. This strategic push could play a critical role in stabilizing the country's agricultural market and ensuring that food remains accessible to everyone in Nigeria.