The Federal Government of Nigeria has 33 silo complexes with a planned combined capacity of 1.336 million MT upon completion. Additionally, 51 warehouses across the country contribute 108,000 MT to Nigeria’s total storage capacity. These facilities are intended to improve food security and ensure that Nigeria can meet emergency food demands effectively.

The federal government initiated the construction of large-scale storage facilities in 1987. The initial phase saw the development of five silo complexes with a capacity of 25,000 metric tons (MT) each, followed by the acquisition of a sixth silo with a capacity of 11,000 MT, resulting in a combined capacity of 136,000 MT. These silos became operational in 1992 and have since played various roles in Nigeria’s emergency response and food stabilization efforts.

The Food Strategic Reserve Programme in Nigeria has been a pivotal initiative aimed at strengthening food security, stabilizing market prices, and providing emergency food relief both domestically and internationally. It embodies Nigeria’s commitment to addressing food availability challenges and supporting local agricultural productivity. This article delves into the history, policies, and the evolving structure of this programme, alongside Nigeria’s strategic shifts in agriculture and food storage over the past few decades.

In Makurdi, Benue State, the National Strategic Grains Reserve silos are located at Terwase Agbadu Area, along Gboko – Makurdi Road, Benue State.