Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has ordered immediate release of more than 102,000 metric tons of various grain types from the National Food Reserve and the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria.
The order, according to the Presidency, is part of the steps towards addressing the rising cost of food nationwide.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this to State House correspondents after a series of meetings of the Special Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention at the Aso Rock Villa on Thursday.
He said that the President was concerned about the plight of Nigerians over the rising prices of commodities, and was poised to address their feelings.
“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 tons immediately.
“The 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.
“They’ve told us that they can guarantee about 60,000 metric tons of rice. This will be made available and we know that that is enough to take Nigerians the next one month to six weeks, perhaps up to two months.”
He, however, hinted that the administration would resort to importing to augment any shortages observed after the release of the food items.
“Now, the third item is that government is also looking at the possibility, if it becomes absolutely necessary, as an interim measure in the short run, to also import some of these commodities.”
There has been nationwide outcry over the soaring cost of living and biting economic hardship in the country.
