The Federal Government has declared that Nigeria has no need to import food from abroad, as the country has the capacity to feed itself and even export surplus to other nations.
This was the message of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at a media briefing in Aso Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.
He said, “We have taken a decision that for the sake of our country, we will not import food anymore. Nigeria has the potential to feed itself and even be a major food supplier to the world.
“The governors have also agreed to work with Mr President to increase their investment in the agricultural sector so that more food will be available to Nigerians. This investment is not only in crop production, but also in livestock development. All these are to ensure that food is abundant.”
Idris spoke after President Bola Tinubu met with the 36 state governors at the villa on Thursday.
The President had ruled out setting up a board to regulate the prices of food commodities in the country. He said, “I will not set up a price control board. I will not also approve the importation of food.”
The meeting was attended by the Vice President, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, and some ministers.
The country had witnessed protests in several states over the high cost of living and food commodities.
However, Tinubu assured that his administration could get Nigerians out of the food crisis.
He said the FG would support farmers with schemes that would enable them to grow more food.
He added, “We must also look at the rapid but thoughtful implementation of our livestock development and management plans, including dairy farming and others.”
