President Bola Tinubu has outlined plans to bolster food security in Nigeria during his New Year address to the nation. He emphasized the government’s commitment to cultivating 500,000 hectares of farmland to address the prevailing food crisis.
Amidst rising food and commodity prices, Tinubu recognized the challenges faced by Nigerians, citing staggering food inflation rates, which soared to 31.52% in October 2023. To tackle these issues, the government aims to expand farmland for cultivating essential crops such as maize, rice, wheat, and millet. Tinubu stated, “To ensure constant food supply, security, and affordability, we will step up our plan to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmlands across the country.”
Furthermore, the government has initiated a food security program in Jigawa State, with the launch of dry season farming spanning 120,000 hectares as part of the National Wheat Development Programme.
Besides addressing food security, Tinubu underscored the need to enhance the business environment. Noting the adverse impact of the power crisis and volatile foreign exchange rates, he vowed to remove impediments to business operations in Nigeria. This commitment comes in the wake of multinational companies discontinuing operations in Nigeria due to these challenges, exacerbating the country’s economic woes.
Tinubu pledged to surmount obstacles hindering business competitiveness, expressing determination to elevate Nigeria as a preferred destination for both local and foreign investments. To alleviate the burden felt by citizens, the government also promised to implement a new national living wage for diligent workers, prioritizing the economic well-being of the populace.
