In an effort to increase food security in Nigeria, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the purchase of 1,200 tractor trailers, 4,000 disc ploughs, and 2,000 tractors, among other pieces of equipment, through the National Agricultural Mechanisation Programme (NAMP).

This is stated in a statement that President Bola Tinubu’s Special Advisor on Information and Strategy posted on his X Twitter on Wednesday, summarising the conclusions of the FEC meeting that took place in Abuja.

According to Onanuga, the DMCC company, which also intends to set up assembly plans for some of these equipment in the nation, will supply the equipment. 

“Procurement of 2000 tractors, 4000 disc ploughs, 1000 disc ridges, 1200 tractor trailers, and other spare parts. The National Agricultural Mechanisation Programme (NAMP) will use the supplies to improve national food security.”

“In the second stage of the contract, Astride DMCC, which has completed similar work in Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, and Togo, will supply all the equipment and will also set up a plant to assemble the machinery,” Onanuga stated.

Refund of Food Import Taxes

The FEC’s approval followed Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture, recently confirming that the government has chosen to impose a 150-day import duty moratorium on a number of food products.  

In order to replenish the depleting strategic grain store, Kyari added, the federal government will import 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and maize.

Furthermore, the federal government intends to include relevant parties in order to establish a Guaranteed Minimum Price (GMP) for commodities, increase output, particularly from smallholder farmers during the 2024–2025 growing season, and encourage the development of fortified food commodities, among other initiatives.

What to note

With food inflation at 40.5%, Nigeria is currently experiencing a crisis in food security as households all around the nation struggle to support their families.

In addition, the cost of basic consumables, particularly grains, has increased by more than 100% in the last year.    

Households across the country are being severely burdened by the sharp increase in food prices, which is making an already unstable economy more difficult.

Estimates suggest that by August, almost 31 million Nigerians may experience severe food shortages; therefore, the situation necessitates immediate attention and targeted actions.

The federal government recently declared its intention to acquire food supplies valued at N155 billion to be given nationwide and to share N50,000 to 100,000 households among the 36 states of the nation for three months.

This was revealed by President Tinubu at the most recent National Economic Council (NEC) when he unveiled housing, development, and other initiatives to help Nigerians.

The president also urged state governors to work towards addressing their states’ requirements for food security.