Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting local farmers through targeted interventions to address Nigeria’s food security challenges.

This is contained in a statement from Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President) on Friday, February 21, 2025.

Speaking during the steering committee meeting of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Vice President said the government will intervene robustly to protect local producers and reduce production costs, including providing single-digit loans.

“We need to support our local farmers. Give them single-digit loans. The Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit has metamorphosed into an incubator beyond being an advisory body,” VP Shettima stated.

He added that the Tinubu administration is determined to revitalise stalled high-impact agricultural projects. “In a nutshell, the government will intervene robustly. We will continue to encourage our farmers,” he added.

Referencing South Korea’s economic transformation, the VP said, “How South Korea, a former poor nation, was able to become the world’s number one steel producer. They gave hefty discounts and single-digit loans to the Daewoos, LGs, and Samsungs, who are now global leaders even in the semiconductor business. They were able to develop their economy.”

The Vice President specifically directed Governors Umar Namadi of Jigawa State and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State to engage with a Brazilian delegation.

“I urge the governors of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, and Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, as two of the major food-producing states in the federation, to be there; have that interface with them and see what we can do,” he said.

Governor Namadi acknowledged the PFSCU’s role in transforming Nigeria’s agriculture, while Governor Nwifuru called for clearly defined priorities for farmers and adequate preparations ahead of each farming season.

Marion Moon, technical assistant to the president on agriculture and coordinator of PFSCU, reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to ensuring affordable food for all citizens while incentivising increased production.