The Federal Government has rolled out plans to boost Nigeria’s economy through an increased agricultural productivity.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

“Following the inauguration of the Presidential Committee on the Implementation of Livestock Reforms earlier today in line with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda, we will be engaging the technology innovation ecosystem over the coming weeks to explore ways to design and apply technological solutions in the livestock, dairy production and other associated sectors,” Tijani said.

“Our belief is that with the strength of our innovation ecosystem, we will stimulate economic growth through increased agricultural productivity.”

The Federal Government on Monday in a statement signed by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, unveiled some measures to reduce the prices of food items across Nigeria.

According to the statement, the tax duties on certain imported food items through land and sea borders will be suspended.

“There will be a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities: suspension of duties, tariffs and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities through
land and sea borders,” Kyari said.

“These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat and cowpeas. Imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP).

Kyari stated that the government would not compromise the safety of the various food items for consumption.

In addition to the importation by the private sector, the FG will import 250,000mt of wheat and 250,000mt of maize.

The imported food commodities in their semi-processed state will target supplies to the small-scale processors and millers across the country.

Kyari said the government will engage relevant stakeholders to set a Guaranteed Minimum Price (GMP) and mop up surplus assorted food commodities to restock the National Strategic Food Reserve (NSFR).

The minister added that there will be a continuous ramp-up production for the 2024/2025 farming cycle including sustained support to small holder farmers in the ongoing wet season farming through existing
government initiatives.

He said the FG will strengthen and accelerate dry season farming across the country and also embark on aggressive agricultural mechanization and development to reduce drudgery, drive down the cost of production and boost productivity.

“The Federal Government will collaborate with sub-national to identify irrigable lands and increase land under cultivation,” Kyari stated.

“The government will work closely with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, to rehabilitate and maintain irrigation facilities under river basin authorities across the federation.

“The FG will work on the development of a strategic engagement for youth and women across the federation for
immediate greenhouse cultivation of horticultural crops such as tomatoes and pepper to increase production volume, stabilize prices, and address food shortages.”

Kyari said the government will fast-track ongoing engagements with the Nigerian Military to rapidly cultivate arable lands under the Defence Farms Scheme while encouraging other Para-Military establishments to put secured available arable lands for cultivation.

To achieve some of these things, the Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee was inaugurated on Tuesday to develop and implement policies that prioritize livestock development and ensure alignment with the National Livestock Transformation Plan initiated by the past administration.

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