Vice-President Kashim Shettima has called on the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) to expedite the disbursement of the federal government’s N250 billion loan facility to smallholder farmers at a single-digit interest rate.
Shettima issued the directive during the PFSCU’s 6th Steering Committee meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, emphasizing the need for a detailed roadmap to ensure timely distribution of funds, targeting the right beneficiaries and translating financial support into tangible productivity gains.
In a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, the Vice-President praised President Bola Tinubu for granting the PFSCU political backing to implement critical agricultural reforms, including fertiliser liberalisation and the presidential seed fund initiative.
“I want to place it on record, our deep appreciation for Mr. President’s leadership and guidance,” Shettima said.
“His clear directives on fertiliser liberalisation and the seed fund have empowered the PFSCU to fast-track delivery in ways that directly support farmers and strengthen our food systems.”
Shettima also commended the PFSCU for its achievements, highlighting how collaboration between federal ministries, the private sector, and development partners is accelerating progress in Nigeria’s food sector.
The Vice-President further urged stakeholders to intensify efforts to revitalise the seed sector and expand the strategic grain reserve to boost national food security.
Governors Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), and Bassey Otu (Cross River) echoed the need for an effective fund distribution structure and advocated for subsidies to support local farmers.
Marion Moon, PFSCU Coordinator, drew attention to Nigeria’s ongoing food insecurity, noting that 30.8 million Nigerians remain food insecure. Despite this, Moon outlined significant progress, including:
- Insurance coverage for 250,000 farmers under the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism (NAPM)
- Launch of Phase I of the Harvesting Hope Caravan across eight states in partnership with state and local governments
- Approval of a ₦50 billion Seed Fund
- Advancements in the World Bank-supported $500 million AGROW program
The meeting was attended by key government and private sector officials, including deputy governors of Niger and Ebonyi states, ministers and ministers of state for finance and agriculture, the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) president, and representatives from development partners.
This directive aligns with the federal government’s broader agenda to enhance agricultural productivity, boost rural livelihoods, and ensure food security amid rising challenges.
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