In a decisive move to address the escalating food prices in Nigeria, the Federal Government has instructed the Special Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention to take immediate action. The government reassured the public that the nation is not facing a food shortage, suggesting instead that opportunists are exploiting the Naira’s depreciation to drive up food prices.
The directive came from Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, who convened a meeting on the President’s behalf. This action follows a protest in Minna, Niger State, where women and youths demonstrated against the rising cost of food, urging political leaders to alleviate their hunger.
Governor Umar Bago of Niger State pointed to sabotage by a cartel, accusing it of hoarding food supplies to artificially inflate prices. He claimed that these actions were intended to provoke hunger and unrest among the populace. Meanwhile, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf announced plans to discuss the hunger issue with the President.
Following the meeting, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, announced plans to distribute food items from the National Food Reserves to lower prices. The government intends to collaborate with major millers and commodity traders to ensure the availability of food items. Idris emphasized the government’s commitment to intervening and not standing by as Nigerians suffer from lack of access to affordable food.
Idris highlighted that, despite appearances, food is available within the country, but certain groups are taking advantage of the current economic situation to manipulate food prices. The meeting, attended by key figures including the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardoso, and Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, also touched on the national security implications of the food price crisis.
The government has pledged to continue discussions and take further steps to alleviate the situation, with more meetings planned in the coming days. The minister appealed for patience and understanding from the public, assuring that the government is actively working towards a solution to ensure food availability and affordability for Nigerians.
