Abuja:The Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, announced that Project WHEAT-NESS is a comprehensive initiative designed to improve Nigeria’s wheat sector from farming to consumer markets, rather than a subsidy. This announcement was made during the inauguration of the Wheat-Based Consumer Foods Value Chain Optimisation and Cost Competitiveness Programme.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the programme encompasses five key segments upstream supply, industrial processing, downstream enterprise, the consumer market, and the finance and policy environment. It aims to enhance competitiveness and affordability throughout the wheat supply chain.
Enoh emphasized the need for government and industry to collaborate as a unified chain to prevent issues from shifting within the system. He highlighted that Nigeria has the potential to double wheat yields by improving varieties, timing, nutrition, and water management. The programme’s success will be evaluated based on strengthened enterprises, productive mills, and improved livelihoods.
Dr. Chris Isokpunwu, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, noted that Nigeria currently imports over six million tonnes of wheat annually, costing more than two billion dollars. The programme aims to reduce import reliance by 10 to 15 percent within three years, potentially saving 200 to 300 million dollars in foreign exchange annually. It also plans to create jobs, support food enterprises and bakers, and lower bread prices.
Mr. Gerald Okunsebor, the National Programme Coordinator, stated that Nigeria produces about 120,000 tonnes of wheat locally, while imports total around six million tonnes. The programme, spanning 24 months, will focus on programmatic activities and a development fund to address bottlenecks in the value chain. Early interventions are expected by the end of the year, with monthly reports to be submitted to the president.