FG Urges Households to Produce One-Third of Their Food to Combat Hunger

The Federal Government, through the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has urged Nigerian households to produce at least one-third of the food they consume to help bridge the food insecurity gap in the country.
Speaking during a program titled “Ending Hunger: Food Availability and Affordability in Nigeria”, the minister highlighted the need for Nigerians to take a proactive approach to food security by leveraging the nation’s agricultural and livestock resources.
“Everybody must go into producing at least one-third of what they eat,” Maiha stated, explaining that such efforts would reduce pressure on the national food supply chain.
The minister announced that the Federal Government is taking significant steps to modernize the long-neglected livestock sector, aiming to make it a key contributor to the country’s economy.
He emphasized the dual challenges of food availability and affordability as critical factors in addressing hunger and ensuring equitable access to nutritious meals.
“The current hunger situation in the country can be eliminated or significantly reduced by deploying the wide range of livestock resources available in Nigeria, which play a significant role in the nation’s economy, food security, and rural livelihoods,” Maiha said.
Maiha underscored the untapped potential within the livestock sector, noting its role in economic diversification and job creation. He highlighted opportunities for the development of improved livestock breeds, enhanced veterinary services, and value-added industries such as meat, dairy, and leather processing.
“These resources offer a strong foundation for Nigeria’s agricultural sector, contributing significantly to rural livelihoods and economic growth,” he added.
The minister called on stakeholders at all levels, including government agencies, private investors, and local communities, to collaborate in maximizing the sector’s potential and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
The initiative aligns with broader government efforts to address the root ca