“Food security, jobs remain our priority” — FG

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling food shortages and unemployment through agriculture and livestock development with the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, also stressing the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to transform the country’s agrifood sector.

Mr Maiha stated this on Monday at the second International Conference of the Agrifood Systems Stakeholders Forum at the University of Port Harcourt.

The Federal Government’s position comes amid continuing concerns over food prices, unemployment and the ability of Nigerians to access affordable and nutritious food.

The conference, organised by the Agricultural Policy Research Network (APRNet), focused on addressing food insecurity, poverty and youth unemployment in Nigeria.

Represented by the Director of Ruminant and Monogastric Development, Victor Egbon, Mr Maiha commended APRNet for organising the conference and called on stakeholders to support the Federal Government’s coordinated national livestock development agenda.

According to him, the initiative is expected to increase agricultural productivity, create employment opportunities and restore citizens’ confidence in the sector.

Agriculture faces multiple challenges

Mr Maiha acknowledged the challenges affecting Nigeria’s agrifood systems, including climate variability, flooding, drought, land degradation and rising input costs.

He said, “Our agrifood systems are under growing pressure from climate variability, flooding, drought, land degradation and rising input costs.”

The minister also identified animal diseases, post-harvest losses, weak market linkages and limited access to finance as major challenges affecting both producers and consumers.

He, however, said the challenges also presented an opportunity to develop a more productive and inclusive agricultural sector.

“Within these challenges lies a compelling opportunity to build agrifood systems that are more productive, inclusive and climate-resilient, while creating decent jobs for women and young people,” he said.

FG highlights livestock investment opportunities

Mr Maiha said the livestock value chain offered significant opportunities for investment and job creation.

He identified areas including feed production, hatcheries, dairy collection, animal health services, storage, processing, logistics and waste-to-wealth enterprises as businesses with potential for expansion.

He noted that these opportunities remained largely untapped and could contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s food production system while creating jobs for young people and women.

What it means for Nigerians

For Nigerians, the government’s focus on agriculture and livestock is expected to translate into increased food production and employment if the identified challenges around financing, infrastructure, climate change, markets and post-harvest losses are effectively addressed.

The government is therefore urging stakeholders across the agricultural value chain to work together to build a food system that is more resilient, productive and capable of creating sustainable livelihoods.