The Federal Government has stated that its agricultural reforms are aimed at ensuring all Nigerians have access to affordable and readily available food. This was revealed by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, while addressing journalists in Maiduguri. Kyari emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts in the agricultural sector to combat food insecurity and boost the national economy. He said the ministry had adopted a multi-pronged strategy to confront challenges such as insecurity, flooding, and import dependency, particularly in critical areas like wheat and rice production. “As part of efforts to reduce the over six million tonnes of wheat currently imported annually, we have launched a national wheat farming programme,” Kyari said. He noted that Cross River has become the first southern state to join the wheat production drive, marking a significant milestone in diversifying the crop’s geographic spread. Kyari also said fertiliser distribution under the programme had boosted rice production by 58,000 tonnes, enabling the federal government to subsidise rice supply to states affected by flooding. “In addition to wheat, the ministry has championed a successful rice programme, leading to positive harvests nationwide,” he said. The minister stressed the need to protect both consumers and producers, noting that “80 per cent of our food is produced by local farmers. “Our immediate priority is to address affordability and ensure every Nigerian has access to safe and nutritious food,” Kyari said.