In response to the escalating food crisis and soaring commodity prices, President Bola Tinubu has taken immediate action by ordering the release of over 102,000 metric tons of various grain varieties from the National Food Reserve and the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, briefed State House correspondents following the conclusion of a series of three meetings of the Special Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention at the Aso Rock Villa on Thursday.
Idris announced, “The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has been instructed to release approximately 42,000 metric tons of maize, millet, garri, and other essential commodities from their strategic reserve for immediate distribution to Nigerians.”
He continued, “We have also engaged with the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria, urging them to open their warehouses. They have committed to providing around 60,000 metric tons of rice, sufficient to meet the needs of Nigerians for the next one to two months.”
In the event of any shortages following the release of these food items, the government will consider importing additional supplies as a short-term measure.
“The government is exploring the possibility of importing some of these commodities if necessary,” Idris stated, without providing specific details.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to taking punitive action against individuals engaged in hoarding food items.
Further details will be provided shortly.
