In a bid to address the persistent challenge of high food prices in Nigeria, the Federal Government, led by Bola Tinubu, has taken a step.
Following a three-day meeting of the Special Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention, a directive was issued for the immediate release of 102,000 metric tonnes of essential grains from government reserves and rice millers’ stores.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, outlined the government’s measures to alleviate the burden on Nigerians. He stated, “The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has been directed to immediately release about 42,000 metric tons of maize, millet, garri, and other commodities.” Additionally, the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria pledged to contribute 60,000 metric tonnes of rice from their reserves.
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Idris emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting, “Now, the whole idea of this is to crash the cost of these food items. And these are measures that will happen immediately.”
Furthermore, the government is prepared to import commodities as a last resort to supplement local supplies. Idris assured, “Government is also looking at the possibility…to import some of these commodities immediately so that these commodities can be made available to Nigerians within the next couple of weeks.”
Amid concerns of inflation and currency fluctuations affecting prices, Idris urged Nigerians to exhibit patriotism and sell goods at reasonable margins. He reiterated the government’s commitment, stating, “The President has directed that whatever it will take, food will be available to Nigerians at a cost that is also very reasonable.”#Tinubu