Vice President Kashim Shettima of Nigeria has redefined the nation’s approach to food security, presenting it as a vital macroeconomic, security, and governance issue. During a high-level panel discussion titled “When Food Becomes Security” at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Shettima emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy that extends beyond traditional agricultural perspectives.
Nigeria’s Federal Government is now pursuing a multidimensional agricultural initiative aimed at mitigating global shocks and revitalizing productivity in key food-producing regions. Shettima stated, “In Nigeria, we don’t look at food security purely as an agricultural issue. It is a macroeconomic, security and governance issue.” He articulated a vision where food security serves as a cornerstone for national security, regional cohesion, and stability.
Strategic Framework for Food Security
The Vice President outlined Nigeria’s food security framework, which is built on three central pillars: increased food production, environmental sustainability, and enhanced regional integration within West Africa. He highlighted that ongoing global supply chain disruptions and climate challenges necessitate a robust agricultural base, capable of adapting to Nigeria’s diverse ecological zones.
Shettima noted the country’s geographical and climatic diversity, stating, “In the Sahelian North, we face desertification, deforestation and drought, while flooding remains a major challenge in the riverine South and parts of the North Central.” To combat these issues, the government is promoting the use of drought-resistant, flood-tolerant, and early-maturing crop varieties, including rice, sorghum, and millet. This strategy aims to redesign food systems in flood-prone areas to enhance resilience against climate shocks.
Security concerns pose additional challenges to food production, particularly in conflict-prone regions that are also significant agricultural zones. The Vice President explained, “That is why we are creating food security corridors and strengthening community-based security engagements so farmers can return safely to their land.”
Addressing Economic Pressures and Promoting Local Production
To further support agricultural revitalization, the Federal Government has introduced the Back to the Farm Initiative, which aims to resettle displaced farmers and provide them with essential agricultural inputs, insurance, and access to capital for restarting production.
Shettima also identified heavy import dependence and foreign exchange volatility as critical contributors to rising food inflation. He stated, “We import wheat, sugar, and dairy products, and this directly impacts inflation. Our strategy is to accelerate local production and promote substitutes such as sorghum, millet, and cassava flour to correct these structural imbalances.”
The Vice President underscored that Nigeria’s food security strategy aligns agriculture with national stability, inflation control, and regional cooperation. This approach positions food security as a frontline response to economic and security threats.
As part of his broader vision, Shettima urged African nations to enhance collaboration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He remarked that intra-African trade is increasingly essential amid shifting global dynamics.
Looking ahead, Shettima expressed optimism that reforms initiated under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda will soon lead to scalable investments for smallholder farmers and fishers, improved climate adaptation strategies, and a resurgence in intra-African trade.
This comprehensive framework signals Nigeria’s commitment to transforming its agricultural landscape and addressing food security as a multifaceted challenge that impacts the nation’s economy, security, and governance.
