Federal Government to alleviate the growing food crisis plaguing Nigeria, has dispatched a significant relief effort to all 36 states and Abuja. Information Minister Mohammed Idris revealed this development during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, following the Federal Executive Council meeting.
“Each of the trucks is carrying about 1,200 25kg bags of rice,” Minister Idris stated, emphasizing the scale of the donation aimed at mitigating food shortages across the nation. He underscored that this initiative is part of broader measures to ease the economic hardships facing Nigerians amidst rising food prices.
Since the removal of petrol subsidies by President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria has grappled with soaring costs of essential goods, including a significant increase in the price of rice, which has tripled in some markets. In response to these challenges, the federal government recently approved duty-free importation of key food items such as rice, beans, and wheat, despite criticisms from figures like Akinwunmi Adesina of the African Development Bank.
Adesina cautioned against over-reliance on food imports, advocating instead for increased domestic food production to stabilize prices and bolster the economy. Minister Idris defended the government’s approach, describing the donation of rice trucks as a crucial initial step towards addressing food inflation.
In addition to the rice donation, Minister Idris highlighted ongoing efforts, including the Central Bank of Nigeria’s distribution of over 2.1 million bags of fertilizers to boost agricultural productivity nationwide. He assured Nigerians of continued federal support for state governments and local communities in tackling food scarcity.
“We are committed to ramping up investments in agriculture and soon launching the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development,” Minister Idris affirmed, emphasizing the government’s determination to enhance food security and alleviate the suffering of vulnerable populations.
The distribution of the donated rice to the most vulnerable Nigerians is expected to commence promptly, marking a critical intervention in the ongoing battle against food insecurity i n the country.
