“We Should Not Be Importing Food” – Wale Edun
Nigeria is setting its sights on reducing its heavy reliance on food imports, according to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun. During a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, held in celebration of the nation’s upcoming 64th Independence Day, Edun unveiled the government’s ambitious plans to boost local agricultural production and strengthen food security.
In his address, Edun stressed the importance of developing self-sufficiency in food production and called for an end to the era of large-scale food imports, framing it as a key pillar of the government’s economic recovery strategy.
“We should not be importing food,” Edun declared. “It is critical that we do not disrupt domestic production of food. It is critical that we do not disrupt farming in Nigeria by flooding the market with imports. This is not where we should be.”
The minister highlighted that the government aims to prioritize investments in local agriculture to stimulate productivity and reduce Nigeria’s food import bill. He also emphasized the long-term benefits of this approach, noting that increased local food production would not only boost the economy but also lead to job creation and sustainable food supply chains across the country.
This announcement is in line with the government’s broader efforts to diversify the economy and promote self-reliance, particularly in essential sectors like agriculture. As the administration pushes forward with its plans, the focus will be on transforming the country’s agricultural landscape, ensuring that Nigeria can feed itself without depending on international markets.
The minister’s remarks were part of a larger dialogue centered on Nigeria’s economic future, as the country marks another year of independence.
