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From Adetutu Folasade-Koyi, Aidoghie Paulinus, & Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Federal Government has raised concern over looming food scarcity, and directed a free distribution of 42,000 tons of grains to those in need.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, stated this yesterday at the inaugural Ministerial Press Briefing Series (MPBS), in Abuja.
Kyari said his team had met with the leadership of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Department of State Services (DSS), to come up with modalities on how the grains would be distributed.
The minister, who did not mention when the disbursement will commence, said: “On the issue of food scarcity, before, we all know that in March and April, just before the wet season usually food prices go up. What we are seeing this time around in January and February means that the issue of supply and demand is taking place.
“The affordability aspect is the greatest challenge in which we find ourselves today. It is available in the market but it not affordable. So these are the interventions the government is trying to do.
“The number one is to make food available which is through production and the off-take from the rice mills.
“So, the major point today is affordability. Scarcity is looming with the way it is going.
“We have directed the release of 42,000 tons of grains to be delivered freely to those who need it the most.
“We have met with NEMA. We have met with the DSS to give us the index to gather intelligence report of where they gather and need the most.”
He accused those hoarding foodstuffs in order to sell at a higher price and assured Nigerians that the government would crash the prices of those items.
“We have received reports within the last couple of days of storage in warehouses full of foodstuffs being broken down. We have also heard of some hoarding.
“They are keeping for store of value. What do you think of rural people who keep them up to 15 bags waiting for it to continue to grow?
“When they look at the prices going up and they know they can keep to derive benefits from it. What we are trying to do is to crash the price through the means of supply and demand.”
On the planned establishment of the National Commodity Board, he said: “This is arising from the challenge that we face in this country today.
“You will agree with me that today, anybody can go to farm gate and buy items even if it is somebody India or any other country.
“This is an arrangement that they will take charge of what is needed for the country in terms securing supply of food for our teeming population, before others take.”
Also, the former lawmaker said government would take a decisive action against double taxation of transported foodstuffs.
“This is a great concern to us not just in interstate, but within the states. I had a two hour drive in Kebbi State and a truck is being charged N600,000. Immediately when I saw that , I reached out to the governor I said this is what is happening. He said that he had already tackled the issue.
“We have to make a national policy because of the food security aspect that we have. I mentioned it to the Honourable Minister that we have to take a drastic step to avert that because when you look at even from the local government authority, security agencies are there.
“So, they cannot run from that. imply because food is now viewed as a trading commodity not as a necessity food security for the nation.
“And because of the situation and the challenge we face, we will have to come out with an absolute statement that no double taxation should be applied to food in transition.
“Some states have already taken steps. Niger has stopped food transportation from one town to the other. I think that is a very good step, to make sure that food is made available.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, explained that the briefing was to acquaint citizens with the activities and policies of government.
Idris said: “You will hear first-hand about what the Federal Government is doing, policies, programs, targets and objectives, and you will be able to ask questions and receive relevant clarifications.
“We have also made efforts to ensure that this Briefing Series receives the widest possible coverage, through traditional and digital platforms.
“Our special guest at this debut edition of the Series, is my colleague, the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.
“This, as you know, is a very critical sector of the Nigerian economy. The Minister and the Honorable Minister of State have been doing a lot of work to implement the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration, and will have a chance to share highlights of that work with you this afternoon.”
