President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a Federal Executive Council committee to swiftly create solutions to make food more affordable for Nigerians. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial strain caused by soaring food prices.
Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, announced this during a Wednesday briefing in Abuja.
Enhancing Safe Transport of Crops
The President’s plan prioritizes safer transportation routes for farm produce to lower logistics costs, a significant factor behind high food prices.
“Tinubu has instructed the committee to ensure agricultural goods move securely and efficiently across Nigeria’s routes,” Abdullahi said during a Senate correspondents’ training session.
Addressing Nigeria’s Food Insecurity
As Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria faces escalating food insecurity. The removal of fuel subsidies, rising transport costs, and highway insecurity have disrupted food supply chains.
Consequently, many Nigerians find basic food items unaffordable despite ongoing government interventions.
Commitment to Food Sovereignty
Abdullahi stressed that Tinubu’s strategy aligns with a broader goal of food sovereignty, ensuring food is affordable, accessible, and nutritious for all Nigerians sustainably.
Supporting Farmers with New Initiatives
To support this goal, the government will introduce a Farmer Soil Health Program to increase crop production. A cooperative reform effort will also provide rural farmers with better access to resources.
“President Tinubu views cooperatives as vital for boosting economic activity and improving rural livelihoods,” Abdullahi noted.
Workshop Setting
The announcement was made at a workshop titled “Parliamentary Reporting: Opportunities, Challenges, and Responsibilities.” Notable attendees included Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Senate Media Committee Chairman; former presidential aide Senator Ita Solomon Enang; and Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of NILDS.
Pushing for Economic Progress
During a June Democracy Day speech at the National Assembly, Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s strides toward food security.
“Our ‘Nigeria First’ approach fuels sustainable progress. We aim for a seven percent growth rate with a thriving manufacturing sector, steadily advancing toward food self-reliance,” he stated.
