Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has attributed Nigeria’s ongoing food security challenges to severe climate shocks, erratic rainfall patterns, and the Super El Niño phenomenon.

Speaking in an official statement, Kyari explained that unstable weather conditions and extended dry seasons have severely disrupted traditional planting schedules, making it increasingly difficult for farmers to depend on seasonal rainfall for agricultural production.

"Food insecurity is caused by Super El Niño and climate change. It is affecting our farms and food production," Kyari stated.

To combat the crisis and boost local production, the minister highlighted several measures being implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including:

Input and Mechanization: Increased distribution of fertilizers and farm inputs alongside the deployment of additional tractors.

Infrastructure Expansion: Promotion of dry-season farming, expanded irrigation systems, and the construction of dedicated storage and processing centers.

Financial Assistance: Enhanced access to agricultural loans for farmers.

Kyari also noted significant progress in restoring security across vulnerable agricultural hubs, allowing displaced farmers to return to their lands.

He specifically referenced Marte and Guzamala in Borno State, noting that improved peace in the region enabled officials to successfully conduct the Cadre Harmonisé assessment in areas previously inaccessible due to insecurity.