In recent times, Nigeria has faced various challenges, including high food prices, which have greatly affected the livelihoods of Nigerians. However, under President Tinubu’s leadership, the Federal Government has rolled out measures to tackle this issue and bring much-needed relief to the people.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Abubakar Kyari, recently announced a 180-day plan to reduce food prices in the country. This strategic plan includes a 150-day duty-free import window for essential food commodities like maize, rice, wheat, and cowpeas. This move will not only increase the availability of these food items but also make them more affordable for consumers.
To ensure the quality and safety of these imported food items, the government has also put in place measures such as a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) for all imported commodities. This will ensure that the standards are maintained and that Nigerians can access safe and quality food products.
Furthermore, the government plans to import 250,000 metric tons of wheat and maize, which will be distributed to small-scale processors and millers across the country. This will not only boost local production but also reduce the burden on farmers and promote job creation in the agricultural sector. Additionally, the federal government will purchase surplus food commodities and restock the National Strategic Food Reserve, ensuring food security for the nation.
In addition to these measures, the government will also focus on increasing production for the 2024/2025 farming cycle. This includes continued support for smallholder farmers during the ongoing wet season farming and an emphasis on dry season farming nationwide. The government also plans to invest in agricultural mechanization to reduce manual labor and boost productivity in the sector.
President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the issue of high food prices is evident in these measures put in place by the government. This shows his dedication to the well-being of Nigerians and his determination to make our country self-sufficient in food production.
