Tinubu Declares State of Emergency on Food Security

President Takes Bold Steps to Ensure Food Availability and Affordability

In a bid to tackle the growing concerns over food security in the country, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency on food security.

The move comes as part of the administration’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable citizens and addressing the rising cost of food that burdens the population.

Presidential spokesman, Dele Alake, announced the directive during a briefing with State House correspondents on Thursday.

The President emphasized the importance of ensuring the availability and affordability of essential livelihood items such as food and water by incorporating them into the purview of the National Security Council.

Acknowledging the impact of escalating food prices on citizens’ pockets, President Tinubu directed the immediate release of fertilizers and grains to farmers and households.

This action aims to alleviate the effects of the subsidy removal and mitigate the challenges faced by farmers and consumers.

In line with the President’s vision, there will be a close collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Water Resources to guarantee adequate irrigation of farmlands.

This step is essential to ensure year-round food production and enhance food security in the nation.

To maintain stability in food prices, a National Commodity Board will be established, tasked with continuously assessing and reviewing food prices.

Additionally, a strategic food reserve will be created to serve as a price stabilization mechanism for critical grains and other food items.

This intervention seeks to moderate fluctuations in food prices, benefiting both producers and consumers.

President Tinubu expressed gratitude for the support of various stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including the National Commodity Exchange (NCX), seed companies, research institutes, microfinance banks, food processing associations, private sector holders, and smallholder farmers.

Collaboration with these key players will enhance the effectiveness of the President’s intervention efforts.

Ensuring the safety of farmers and farmlands is a top priority for the administration. The President pledged to engage the security architecture to protect farmers and their farms, allowing them to cultivate without fear of attacks.

Furthermore, the President highlighted the critical role of the Central Bank of Nigeria in funding the agricultural value chain, emphasizing its continued support for farmers and agricultural development.

The government has already taken steps to increase the availability of arable land by mapping out 500,000 hectares for farming purposes.

This initiative aims to expand agricultural activities and boost food production in the country.

President Tinubu also underscored the need to enhance revenue from food and agricultural exports.

By focusing on these sectors, the administration aims to harness the potential of Nigeria’s agricultural resources and contribute to the economic growth of the nation.

With these bold measures, President Tinubu’s administration seeks to address the pressing issues of food availability, affordability, and security.

By engaging key stakeholders and implementing strategic interventions, the government aims to create a sustainable and resilient food system that benefits all Nigerians.