President Tinubu Orders FEC to Crash Food Prices in Nigeria
- President Bola Tinubu has ordered swift action to tackle soaring food prices across Nigeria, focusing on reducing transport costs for farm produce
- The directive, revealed by Minister Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, aligns with Tinubu’s broader push for food sovereignty and economic resilience
- New government schemes targeting soil health and cooperative reform aim to boost agricultural productivity and empower rural farmers
President Bola Tinubu has directed a Federal Executive Council (FEC) committee to urgently implement measures aimed at reducing food prices across Nigeria, according to the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja at a capacity-building workshop for Senate correspondents, Abdullahi revealed that the President’s directive centres on ensuring the safe passage of agricultural produce across the country’s transport routes.
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This move is intended to cut logistics costs, which have been a major contributor to rising food prices.
“The President has given a matching order with a federal executive council committee already handling it on how we are going to promote safe passage of agricultural foods and commodities across our various routes in the country,” Abdullahi said.
Nigeria grapples with food insecurity
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has been battling worsening food insecurity following the removal of fuel subsidies, escalating transport costs, and persistent insecurity on major highways.
These factors have severely disrupted the movement of goods, making food largely unaffordable for millions of citizens despite ongoing government interventions.
Abdullahi stated that the latest directive aligns with Tinubu’s broader vision of achieving food sovereignty. He explained that the administration’s approach goes beyond mere availability, aiming to ensure affordability, accessibility, and nutritional value on a sustainable basis.
Government unveils new schemes
To support this vision, the minister announced the imminent rollout of a Farmer Soil Health Scheme designed to enhance productivity. Additionally, a revamped cooperative reform initiative is set to mobilise resources and empower rural farmers.
“Mr. President has shown tremendous interest in the cooperative sector as a veritable tool for resource mobilisation, for economic activity generation, and to improve the livelihood of members,” Abdullahi added.
The workshop, themed “Parliamentary Reporting: Issues, Challenges and Responsibilities,” also featured key figures including Senate Media Committee Chairman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu; former presidential aide, Senator Ita Solomon Enang; and Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Sulaiman.
Tinubu reaffirms commitment to food sovereignty
President Tinubu had previously reiterated his commitment to food sovereignty during his Democracy Day address at the National Assembly in June. He emphasised the importance of domestic food production as part of his administration’s “Nigeria First” policy.
“We must learn to produce and grow most of our food, and we are on the path to achieving food sovereignty,” Tinubu said.
He added that the country’s improved economic performance validates the soundness of current policy measures, with a medium-term growth target of seven per cent and a stronger manufacturing base.
Source: Legit.ng
