President Bola Tinubu has directed a Federal Executive Council (FEC) committee to enhance efforts to lower the high cost of food items throughout Nigeria.
During a workshop in Abuja on Wednesday, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, announced this directive.
Abdullahi states that the president's directive focuses on ensuring seamless transportation of agricultural products nationwide to alleviate logistical challenges that have led to increased prices.
"The President has issued a directive, and a federal executive council committee is already working on strategies to ensure safe transportation of agricultural goods across different routes in the country," he stated during the training session for Senate correspondents.
Nigeria has been facing an escalating food insecurity crisis, mainly due to the elimination of fuel subsidies, increased transportation costs, and highway security issues that have disrupted supply chains. Although intervention efforts are underway, millions continue to struggle with affording basic food items.
The minister noted that the initiative is part of Tinubu's comprehensive food security plan, which encompasses not only production but also affordability, accessibility, and sustainable nutrition.
To provide additional support to farmers, Abdullahi unveiled plans to introduce a Farmer Soil Health Scheme aimed at increasing yields. Additionally, there will be an updated cooperative reform program designed to bolster rural farming communities.
He stated that the President has demonstrated significant interest in the cooperative sector, viewing it as an invaluable tool for resource mobilization, generating economic activities, and enhancing members' livelihoods.
The event, with the theme "Parliamentary Reporting: Issues, Challenges and Responsibilities," also included contributions from Senate Media Committee Chairman Senator Yemi Adaramodu, former presidential aide Senator Ita Solomon Enang, and NILDS Director-General Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman.
During his June Democracy Day address, Tinubu reiterated his dedication to achieving food sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of agriculture in his administration's economic vision.
He stated that the "Nigeria First" policy will boost progress as market-driven growth is solidified. The enhanced economic performance is reassuring and confirms the effectiveness of our policy initiatives. Our goal for medium-term growth continues to be an economy growing at a seven percent rate with a more robust manufacturing foundation. It is essential for us to produce and grow most of our own food, moving towards achieving food sovereignty.
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