Agriculture Minister Kyari Addresses High Food Prices in Nigeria

Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, stated in an interview with ARISE NEWS that food production has increased under President Bola Tinubu's administration. However, he noted that gaps in processing and distribution are keeping food prices high.

Kyari mentioned that while farm-gate prices have fallen, consumers are not fully benefiting due to challenges between production and market delivery. He highlighted that Nigeria's dependence on food imports is exacerbated by population growth, low agricultural productivity, limited access to land, and high production costs.

Kyari emphasized the need for improved productivity and quality seeds, mentioning government efforts to provide subsidized inputs to farmers. He expressed optimism that the upcoming harvest figures would show a reduction in food imports, particularly processed foods, and pointed to initiatives like the Special Agro-Processing Zones aimed at enhancing local food processing capabilities.