Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s unwavering stance against importing food into Nigeria amidst escalating food crises and inflation rates, revealing that it fosters corruption.
Speaking at a meeting with the Forum of State Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House in Abuja on Friday, Tinubu addressed the pressing issue of Nigeria’s soaring food inflation rate, which reached 37.92% as of February 2024.
Despite speculation suggesting that importing food could swiftly alleviate nationwide food price pressures, Tinubu emphasized that resorting to food imports would not address the prevailing food crisis.
He warned against the adverse effects of food imports, stating that it fosters corruption and rent-seeking activities within the country.
Tinubu outlined his administration’s commitment to investing in the agricultural sector and promoting mechanized farming as a sustainable solution.
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He remarked, “We are bringing mechanized farming to the fore. Yesterday’s crisis will become today’s opportunity. Fertilizers are being supplied to farmers as we speak.
“Agriculture and economic diversification provide the answers to our problems. We will not continue to import food. We know how to turn lack into abundance, and the world will watch us do it again.”
Furthermore, Tinubu disclosed plans for a comprehensive strategy to be implemented soon, focusing on large-scale livestock farming as part of the government’s agricultural initiatives.
