World Food Day: Nigeria reaffirms commitment to food security, livestock development
Nigeria joined the global community on Thursday, to commemorate the 2025 World Food Day, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to strengthen food security through increased agricultural productivity and sustainable livestock development.
Speaking after a sensitisation walk held in Abuja to mark the occasion, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, minister of Agriculture and Food Security, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of achieving national food sovereignty — a Nigeria that produces and consumes its own food. “No farmer, no nation. Great farmers, great nation. Nigeria first — produce what we eat and eat what we produce,” the minister declared.
He noted that the 2025 theme, “Hand in Hand for a Better Future,” aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda, which prioritises collaboration among government agencies, private sector players, and development partners.
According to Abdullahi, the country’s agricultural sector has recorded progress, with recent surveys by the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services showing improvements in productivity due to the adoption of modern technologies.
He highlighted the recent launch of the Nigerian Farmers’ Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS) as one of the initiatives designed to enhance precision farming and boost yields across the country.
“We are totally committed to the vision of our president. Nigeria has over 73 million hectares of arable land and abundant water bodies. With the right leadership and support, we can achieve food sovereignty,” he stated.
The minister also disclosed that food inflation is beginning to decline, while the government continues to provide inputs and support to farmer groups to promote all-year-round farming.
Joining in the celebration, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, minister of Livestock Development, called attention to the central role of the livestock sector in Nigeria’s food system and economy.
He described livestock as a “lifeline” for over a billion people globally and a major contributor to food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods.
“With over 180 million poultry, 120 million goats, 60 million sheep, and 50 million cattle, Nigeria’s livestock sector represents the livelihood of nearly half of our 40 million agricultural households,” Maiha said.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to advancing the sector through key programmes such as the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, the National Livestock Master Plan, and the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Aid Projects.
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The minister emphasised that the newly created Federal Ministry of Livestock Development would drive modernisation and productivity in the sector to ensure food and nutritional security for Nigerians.
“As we celebrate World Food Day, let us remember that livestock is central to achieving a food-secure world. Together, we can create a future where no Nigerian goes to bed hungry,” he added.
The event was attended by senior government officials, representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), development partners, farmer groups, and other key stakeholders in Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem.
