Food Security: Stakeholders raise alarm over 2024 budget in 2026

Concerns are mounting across Nigeria as stakeholders question why the country is still spending the 2024 federal budget in 2026, a situation they describe as crippling food security efforts.

An insider in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) revealed that capital projects aimed at enhancing food security have been delayed due to the non-release of funds as expected since 2024 till date.

The source, who wanted to remain anonymous, argued that the FMAFS could enjoy the privileges of being exempted from the Treasury Single Account ( TSA) so as to be able to meet the time-bound nature of agriculture and food security matters.

The source said that " if the FCT ministry could enjoy exemption from TSA, then there is no reason why FMAFS should not be exempted to achieve the purpose of the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu's state of emergency being declared on food security in Nigeria"

Other stakeholders who also did not want their names to be mentioned condemned the delayed release of funds for major capital projects in agriculture that would have positively affect the sector.

One among them said that " it beats my imagination that FMAFS in 2026 is still surviving on the 2024 capital budget in 2026. When are they going to spend the one for 2025 and the already commenced new year"

Other stakeholders also described the situation as unacceptable, saying that no serious nation facing food shortages like us should still be operating a 2024 budget in 2026 for its agricultural sector.

The Agriculture research institutes were not spared in this challenge as findings revealed that many renovations and new improved technologies were being delayed to be deployed as a result of non release of capital funds.

Many also have warned that inadequate funding for agricultural research could have long-term consequences for food production, innovation, and national food security, thereby urging the Federal Government to urgently rethink its budget implementation strategy to avert a deeper crisis.