*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directs the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to release about 42,000 metric tonnes of maize, millet, garri, and other commodities in strategic reserves for distribution to Nigerian consumers

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Sequel to bagging and of the selected food items as part of measures to address the rising costs of foodstuffs in the country, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to release about 42,000 metric tonnes (MT) of maize, millet, garri, and other commodities in strategic reserves for distribution to vulnerable Nigerians.

绿帽献妻 reports Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Honourable Minister for Information and National Orientation, disclosed this development Monday, March 4, 2024, after a meeting of the Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention, in the State House Abuja, FCT.

The Minister said the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria also had committed to releasing about 60,000 metric tonnes of rice to the markets across the West African country.

Idris stated: “The first one is that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has been directed to release about 42,000 metric tons of maize, millet, garri, and other commodities in their strategic reserve so that these items will be made available to Nigerians; 42,000 metric tonnes immediately.

鈥淭he second one is that we have held meetings with the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria. Those who are responsible for producing this rice, and we have asked them to open up their stores.”

He also said, “they鈥檝e told us that they can guarantee about 60,000 metric tonnes of rice.

“They will make that available to Nigerians; to bring out to the market to make food available.鈥�

According to him, there is an option of importing these grains 鈥渋f it becomes absolutely necessary, as an interim measure.”

We’ll commence distribution of grains to 36 States this week: Kyari

Confirming the readiness of the commodities for distribution to Nigerians, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Honourable Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, in a blog post on X (@SenatorAKyari) March 4, 2024, Monday, wrote: “Dear Fellow Nigerians. In these trying times, I extend my sincere compassion to those affected by the hardships in the country.

“I understand the gravity of the situation, especially with the unfortunate event of foodstuffs warehouse looting.”

Kyari also stated: “Amidst these challenges, I want to assure you that our commitment to your well-being remains resolute.

“We shall commence the distribution of 42,000 metric tonnes of grains, as approved by Mr. President, across the 36 states of the Federation as one of the programmes to be rolled out this week.”

He noted: “We are working hand in hand with NEMA and the DSS to ensure that the grains get to the right people in the right packages and quantities. “Furthermore, 58,500 metric tons of milled rice from mega rice millers will also be released into the market for stabilisation.鈥�

In appreciating the understanding of Nigerians amid the economic challenges, the Minister wrote: “I acknowledge the strength of the Nigerian people, and it is this resilience that will guide us through these difficult times.

“Let us stand together to support Mr. President in his strive for a better Nigeria.

鈥淥ur government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to addressing these challenges and working towards a more secure and prosperous future for all.鈥�

It is recalled the Federal Government, including the leadership of the National Assembly (NASS) have appealed to Nigerian consumers to exercise little more patience with the Tinubu administration to evolve measures towards resolving the socio-economic challenges besetting Nigeria.

Commenting on the state of the nation recently, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives reportedly pleaded with consumers over the comparatively high cost of living with the attendant socio-economic dislocations in most parts of the country.

Other top government officials also have urged Nigerians to be patient over the reforms, which the President has said will result in more foreign investment to Nigeria.

As of now, however, the short-term impact of the situation is hitting consumers hard, with inflation at 28.92 percent in December 2023, and food costs at 33.93 percent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Likewise, the value of the Naira, Nigeria’s currency, has fallen swiftly against the US Dollar since the Federal Government unified the country’s exchange rate system and freed up the local currency.

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