To combat the soaring cost of food and the resulting shortages, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has proclaimed a state of emergency.
Some of the measures involve giving farmers fertiliser and grain using the savings from the recent elimination of a gasoline subsidy.
Farmers, many of whom have given up on their farms after becoming the target of kidnapping gangs demanding ransom, will also receive more protection.
Providing $10 (£8) each month for six months will also assist less fortunate households.
No one will be left behind in these strategic interventions, Mr. Tinubu, who began office in May, promised all Nigerians.
Kidnapping gangs chase away wealthy Nigerian farmers
According to a UN report published in January, 25 million Nigerians face a high risk of food insecurity this year, which means they won’t be able to afford enough wholesome food each day.
Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa, has long been concerned about food insecurity and has also been fighting widespread insecurity for a number of years.
A Nigerian security tracking website claims that in the 12 months leading up to June 2022 alone, more than 350 farmers were abducted or slain.
The north of the country has seen a large number of similar attacks.
But according to government adviser Dele Alake, additional security measures would allow farmers to return to their fields “without fear of attacks.”
The government’s plans to combat the notorious organized crime groups, the members of which are referred to as bandits, were not further discussed.
The National Security Council, which is comprised of the nation’s security chiefs and is led by the president, will now be in charge of all concerns relating to basic food and water.
