Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Security, has expressed deep concerns over the shortage of food in Nigeria, coupled with the resultant surge in prices, touting border closure as a possible solution.
In a recent address to the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions, Kyari noted the dilemma facing the government, saying it may close borders or intensify efforts to bolster local food production and export.
Kyari’s remarks come in the wake of the Niger State government’s decision to prohibit the sale of food products to individuals residing outside the state, coupled with efforts to enact legislation to control food prices.
The Minister lamented the undocumented export of food to neighboring countries, buoyed by the significant devaluation of the naira against the CFA currency. He explained, “One CFA is N2.20kobo, this means 1000 CFA is N2,200, this is something that was N400-N500 a few years ago. Because of the devaluation of naira, our food is the cheapest around the neighborhood, so you find a lot of undocumented exports which is smuggling across our porous borders.”
He emphasized the urgency of addressing this challenge and highlighted the government’s ongoing endeavors to ramp up local production. However, he warned that if the prevailing economic conditions persist, the government might be compelled to make a tough decision between sealing borders or prioritizing food production for Nigerians.
“We are trying to ramp up production, what we are faced with unfortunately, is to see how we can secure food for our 230 million people and at the same time, if this economics continues , we have to either seal our border, or produce for all other Africans”, he said.
Kyari attributed the food smuggling to the prevailing shortages and escalating prices, while also identifying other contributing factors, such as inadequate planning for the 2023 farming season by the previous administration, insecurity impeding farmers’ willingness to cultivate, and a foreign exchange crisis.
He also highlighted the adverse effects of the scarcity of foreign exchange, citing instances where investors from India, China, and Turkey purchase Nigerian crops at inflated prices primarily to earn foreign exchange, with no repatriation of profits and no benefit to the Nigerian government.
However, Kyari’s proposition to close the borders as a solution has sparked considerable backlash, given Nigeria’s previous experience with border closures. Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to shut down Nigerian land borders for two years in a bid to stimulate local food production and combat smuggling has been cited as a major factor that contributed to the country’s high inflation rates.
Critics argue that another border closure for food security purposes would exacerbate the plight of the masses, who are still grappling with the repercussions of the previous closure.
The notion of sealing borders is particularly contentious due to its potential adverse effects on regional trade, economic integration, and diplomatic relations with neighboring countries. Critics argue that such a move could further strain Nigeria’s economy, exacerbating inflation and food shortages.
Moreover, the closure of borders may not effectively address the root causes of food shortages and inflation. Instead, it could perpetuate smuggling activities through alternative routes or channels, further undermining government efforts to achieve food security and economic stability.
Furthermore, sealing borders could have negative implications for Nigeria’s image on the international stage, potentially deterring foreign investment and undermining efforts to foster regional cooperation and integration.
In light of these concerns, stakeholders advocate for a comprehensive approach to address food shortages and inflation, emphasizing the need for strategic policies that promote sustainable agricultural practices, enhance productivity, and facilitate trade within the region.
They emphasize the importance of collaboration with neighboring countries to address cross-border challenges effectively, while also prioritizing investments in infrastructure, technology, and capacity-building to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector and ensure food security for its citizens.
While the shortage of food in Nigeria presents a significant challenge, the proposition to close borders as a solution raises serious concerns. Stakeholders have emphasized the importance of adopting a holistic approach that addresses the underlying causes of food shortages and inflation while promoting regional cooperation and integration for sustainable development and economic growth.
