The Federal Government has emphasized that Nigeria has the capacity to produce enough food to sustain itself and potentially become a net exporter of food items, eliminating the need for food imports from other countries.
This was disclosed on Thursday at a news conference held at Aso Villa, Abuja, by Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation.
He said, “A decision has also been taken that in the interest of our country, there will be no need for food importation at this point. Nigeria has the potential to feed itself and even be a net exporter of food items to other countries.
“The governors have also agreed to join hands with Mr President to deepen their own investment in the agricultural sector so that more food will be made available to Nigerians.
“Of course, these investment is not just in crop production; it is also in livestock development. All these is to ensure that food is available.”
Idris made these remarks following a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the 36 state governors at the villa on Thursday.
The President explicitly stated his decision not to establish a board to regulate food commodity prices in the country.
“What I will not do is to set a price control board. I will not also approve the importation of food,” Tinubu disclosed.
The gathering was graced by the presence of the Vice President, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, and several ministers.
Protests had erupted in various states across the nation due to the soaring cost of living and food staples.
Nevertheless, Tinubu affirmed his administration’s commitment to alleviating Nigerians from the food crisis.
He said the FG would support farmers with schemes that would enable them to grow more food.
“We must also look at the rapid but thoughtful implementation of our livestock development and management plans, including dairy farming and others,” Tinubu stated.