Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that the Nigerian government no longer views food security solely through the narrow lens of agriculture, but as a critical macroeconomic, national security, and governance issue that forms a strategic pillar of the nation’s development agenda.
Speaking at the opening of a high-level stakeholder consultation on the National Food Systems Transformation Pathways in Abuja on Wednesday, January 22, 2026, Shettima emphasised that food security transcends farming and directly impacts economic stability, social harmony, and national security.
“Food security is no longer just an agricultural matter. It is a fundamental macroeconomic issue, a national security imperative, and a cornerstone of good governance,” the Vice President stated.
He stressed that rising food prices, supply chain disruptions, and vulnerability to climate shocks have made food security a top priority for the Tinubu administration, noting that no nation can achieve sustainable growth when its citizens struggle to access affordable, nutritious food.
Shettima highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the declaration of a state of emergency on food security in 2023, massive investments in irrigation and mechanised farming, distribution of fertilisers and inputs to smallholder farmers, and the establishment of food reserve systems to stabilise prices.
The Vice President also called for stronger public-private partnerships, improved post-harvest storage, enhanced value chain development, and climate-resilient agricultural practices to achieve long-term food sufficiency.
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The consultation brought together state governors, ministers, development partners, farmers’ associations, private sector players, and international organisations to chart a comprehensive roadmap for transforming Nigeria’s food systems.
Shettima assured stakeholders that the government remains committed to turning Nigeria from a food-import dependent nation into a global food basket.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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