News in Brief:
– The Nigerian government is distributing 42,000 metric tons of grains as an initial response to the country’s food crisis and rising food prices.
– This initiative follows President Tinubu’s order to release grains from strategic reserves and collaboration with the Central Bank to ensure fertilizer reaches real farmers.
Following public outcry over rising food prices, the Nigerian government has initiated the distribution of 42,000 metric tons of assorted grains as part of a temporary solution. This announcement comes after weeks of preparation, with the grains being bagged for distribution
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, confirmed the commencement of distribution during a press briefing. He highlighted security concerns related to potential vandalisation of foodstuffs during transportation.
However, to mitigate these risks, Kyari revealed collaboration with the National Security Adviser and other security agencies. The distribution, which begins in the North West, focuses on state capitals .
Government’s response to food crisis in Nigeria
This distribution initiative stems from President Bola Tinubu’s earlier order to release 102,000 metric tons of grains from the Strategic Reserve and the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria. The directive aimed to address the growing food crisis and soaring commodity prices.
Additionally, Kyari also addressed the distribution plan for the 2.15 million bags of fertiliser provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). He reiterated efforts to ensure the fertiliser reaches the intended farmer to the last mile.
Speaking in same vein in an earlier engagement with newsmen, CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, acknowledged the past issue of portfolio farmers – individuals listed as farmers without actual agricultural activity. He disclosed that collaborative efforts are underway to establish a reliable data system for fertiliser distribution.
While the grain distribution and improved fertiliser distribution aim for short-term relief, President Tinubu has committed to developing a more robust data gathering system in the near future. This underlines the government’s intent to address the root causes of the food crisis.
