Janet Ogundipe
Amid the prevailing food scarcity and skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has assured that food prices would crash within 180 days.
He made this known in a post on his official X handle on Wednesday, where he unveiled measures that will be implemented over the next 180 days.
His assurance comes after several Nigerians had hit the streets to protest hunger in the nation.
According to the minister, the current administration had unveiled a series of strategic measures geared towards addressing the high food prices, stressing that the measures will be implemented over the next 180 days
Kyari said imported food commodities would be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price.
He said, “We understand concerns about the quality of these imports, especially regarding their genetic composition. The government assures that all standards will be maintained to ensure the safety and quality of food items for consumption.
“The Federal Government will import 250,000 metric tons of wheat and 250,000 metric tons of maize. These semi-processed commodities will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country.
“Engagement with relevant stakeholders to set a GMP and purchase surplus food commodities to restock the National Strategic Food Reserve.
“Embarking on aggressive agricultural mechanization to reduce drudgery, lower production costs, and boost productivity,” he said.
The minister also explained that in the next 14 days, in close collaboration with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit and the Economic Management Team, they would convene with respective agencies to finalize the implementation frameworks.
Kyari added, “We will ensure that information is publicly available to facilitate the participation of all relevant stakeholders across the country.”
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