Nigeria’s National Assembly of Nigeria has advanced legislative efforts to establish a National Food Reserve Agency, aimed at strengthening the country’s food security framework and improving emergency response to food shortages.
The proposed agency is expected to serve as a central mechanism for strategic food storage, management, and distribution, ensuring that adequate reserves are available during periods of crisis such as natural disasters, conflicts, or supply disruptions.
Lawmakers noted that the initiative is driven by growing concerns over food insecurity, rising food prices, and vulnerability to external shocks, which have exposed gaps in Nigeria’s current food reserve system.
According to the bill, the agency will be responsible for procuring, storing, and maintaining essential food commodities, including grains and other staples, to stabilise supply and support price control measures.
The proposed framework also includes provisions for modern storage infrastructure, such as silos and warehouses, as well as improved logistics systems to ensure efficient distribution of food reserves across the country when needed.
Stakeholders emphasized that a well-managed food reserve system can help reduce post-harvest losses, support farmers through guaranteed offtake, and ensure food availability during emergencies.
In addition, the agency is expected to collaborate with state governments, private sector players, and development partners, to build a coordinated and sustainable food reserve system.
Experts have welcomed the move, noting that many countries operate strategic reserves as part of their national food security strategies. They stressed that Nigeria can benefit from a similar approach if properly implemented.
However, concerns were raised about potential challenges, including funding requirements, governance issues, and the need for transparency and accountability, to prevent mismanagement of resources.
Lawmakers assured stakeholders that the bill includes provisions for effective oversight and monitoring, ensuring that the agency operates efficiently and in line with its mandate.
The National Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to enacting policies that address food security challenges, noting that the establishment of a National Food Reserve Agency will play a key role in stabilising food supply, protecting vulnerable populations, and strengthening national resilience.
If passed into law, the agency is expected to become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s efforts to build a sustainable and secure food system.
