Vice-President Kashim Shettima has provided key insights into the Federal Government’s decision to declare a State of Emergency on Agriculture, highlighting it as a response to Nigeria’s food insecurity and the broader aim of achieving food sovereignty.
Speaking during a session titled “Country Perspectives: Government-led Strategies and Regional Framework” at the ongoing UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, Shettima said food self-sufficiency is fundamental to national sovereignty.
“Any nation that is not independent in food sovereignty is not truly sovereign,” he declared.
The high-level session brought together African leaders and policymakers to share strategies on strengthening national food systems through inclusive and sustainable practices.
Tinubu Inherited Dire Conditions — Shettima
Shettima noted that President Bola Tinubu met the country in a precarious state and acted out of genuine concern for citizens’ welfare, particularly in regions affected by conflict like the North-East, where Boko Haram insurgency has disrupted agricultural activities.
“We met the nation in a very bad state of affairs, and His Excellency declared a food emergency to confront the crisis,” he said.
To address the challenge, Shettima said the administration launched several bold policy initiatives, including the establishment of Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Units. These units, he explained, are not intended to displace existing structures, but to better coordinate food delivery and support mechanisms, especially in vulnerable regions.
“These include food support mechanisms in the North-East and North-West, and empowering displaced persons to produce their food,” he noted.
Food Production for Displaced Persons
Shettima commended the World Food Programme (WFP) and other multilateral agencies for their continued support. He said the government’s approach was not only about relief but focused on restoring dignity and building resilience among displaced populations.
“By enabling displaced people to produce their food, we restore their dignity and reduce dependence on aid,” he said.
He added that in the Sahelian region, where economic and ecological systems are deeply intertwined, the government is pursuing robust policies to prevent further hardship.
“Hunger knows no bounds or discrimination. Our mission is to put structures in place—revive strategic grain reserves and empower smallholder farmers, women, and youths with incentives,” Shettima explained.
He emphasised that the government’s agricultural policies are market-driven, focused on increased yields through mechanisation, improved seeds, and modern farming practices.
“Entrepreneurial capitalism is embedded in the psyche of the average Nigerian. We want to harness that potential,” he stated.
Shettima also highlighted efforts to strengthen agricultural extension services, enabling farmers to access timely data on rainfall patterns and climate trends to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Amina Mohammed: Shift from Dependency to Transformation
Also speaking at the event, Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, lamented that over 37 million children under five face acute malnutrition globally in 2025—nearly equal to the population of Canada.
“We must have the courage to embrace long-term solutions that build resilient food systems. Short-term fixes without long-term planning are not enough,” she said.
She urged African leaders to reject hunger as inevitable and to integrate global, digital, and traditional knowledge into their national strategies.
“Transformation must replace dependency. Coordination is essential—beyond bureaucracies. We need inclusive and adequately financed partnerships that change lives,” she added.
Other Dignitaries Weigh In
Other speakers at the summit included:
Cindy McCain, Executive Director, World Food Programme;
Salah Jama, Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia;
Moubarack Rounbo, Minister of Agricultural Production and Industrialization, Chad.
They echoed the need for stronger coordination, investment in sustainable agriculture, and empowering communities to take ownership of their food systems.
