The Federal Government says there is no need for the country to import food items from other countries, noting that Nigeria can feed itself and even be a net exporter of food items.
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, stated this during a briefing in Aso Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.
Idris said after President Bola Tinubu met with the 36 state governors and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, at Villa.
With several protests breaking out in states across the Federation over rising living costs and food shortages, various analysts encouraged the government to consider importing critical goods such as rice and flour, among others.
However, briefing reporters about the outcome of the meeting between the President and the governor on Thursday, the minister 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 next 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.”