This demand came during the seventh meeting of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), which took place at the State House in Abuja. The meeting gathered governors, federal ministers, and private sector representatives to assess Nigeria’s food systems and strategize on domestic production and food availability.
Shettima underscored the need for greater visibility in ongoing interventions, stressing that available resources should deliver measurable outcomes. He also advocated for increased domestic food production and measures to make food more affordable for Nigerians.
With the main harvest season approaching, the committee discussed various strategies to support farmers, improve food transportation, and bolster strategic reserves. The Vice President highlighted the critical need for a coordinated approach among the Federal and state governments, the private sector, and relevant institutions.
The committee examined factors affecting food distribution, including logistics, market access, and transportation costs. Improving the efficiency of food movement between production and consumption areas was highlighted as essential to alleviating pressures in the food supply chain.
Marion Moon, Executive Secretary of the PFSCU, emphasized that the government will increasingly rely on data to inform interventions, ensuring they are targeted and effective. "Our focus is to support farmers and improve food movement," she stated.
Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, echoed Shettima's sentiments, urging that farmers remain central to agricultural policies. He called for prioritizing irrigation, financing, and production support to address challenges faced by farmers.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy also emphasized aligning domestic production with trade policy, noting that trade measures could complement domestic efforts but must consider market conditions and support for Nigerian farmers.
The committee reviewed key initiatives, including the $500 million Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth program, known as AGROW, which has now transitioned to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
These initiatives aim to enhance the government's ability to monitor agricultural output and anticipate emerging risks, thereby improving food security across the nation. As food inflation continues to rise, the committee's efforts to stabilize the food supply chain are more critical than ever.
The PFSCU Steering Committee is tasked with coordinating food system interventions across various levels of government and the private sector, ensuring a comprehensive approach to Nigeria's food security challenges.
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