President Bola Tinubu made a groundbreaking announcement on Thursday, addressing the critical issue of food security.
In a move to tackle this pressing concern, Tinubu unveiled a comprehensive plan that encompassed various aspects of the nation’s infrastructure and governance.
Speaking to the press at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, Dele Alake, shared the details of the President’s initiatives.
These measures aimed to alleviate the impact of subsidy removal on fertilizers and grains and ensure their availability to farmers and households.
One of the key focuses was to establish a strong synergy between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Water Resources. This collaboration would ensure adequate irrigation of farmlands throughout the year, ultimately guaranteeing a consistent food supply.
Tinubu emphasized the need to move away from seasonal farming and maximize productivity to meet the nation’s demands.
The government also announced its intention to collaborate with willing states to create ranches dedicated to grazing reserves. Tinubu’s administration planned to finance the acquisition of lands for these ranches, thereby encouraging the expansion of agricultural activities.
To increase the availability of arable land for farming, the Federal Government activated land banks across the country, totaling 500,000 hectares. This move aimed to boost food output and address the current food inflation crisis.
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Addressing the issue of middlemen withholding grains, the Central Bank advised them to release their supplies, as prices were anticipated to stabilize when the government began distributing grains to the public.
During the press briefing, Alake was joined by several officials, including the Special to the President on Revenue, the Special Adviser on Industry, Trade, and Investment, and the acting Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service. The purpose of their presence was to update the public on the immediate actions taken by President Tinubu’s administration in response to the food inflation issue.
Alake reiterated the President’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable citizens and outlined the multi-faceted approach of the administration. Immediate, medium, and long-term interventions were planned to address the crisis effectively.
In the immediate term, savings from the fuel subsidy removal would be allocated to revamp the agricultural sector. The government engaged stakeholders in the agricultural industry to draft a partnership memorandum outlining the decisions and proposed actions from their discussions.
Immediate intervention strategies included the release of fertilizers and grains to farmers and households, ensuring sufficient irrigation of farmlands, and establishing a National Commodity Board to monitor and stabilize food prices.
The government also emphasized the protection of farmers and their farmlands through enhanced security measures. The Central Bank would continue to play a crucial role in funding the agricultural value chain.
Transportation and storage were identified as key areas for improvement. The government planned to explore alternative transportation methods, such as rail and water transport, to reduce costs and subsequently impact food prices. Existing warehouses and storage facilities would be revamped to minimize waste and enhance preservation.
Additionally, the administration aimed to increase revenue from food and agricultural exports, stimulate trade facilitation, and streamline customs procedures to facilitate the import and export of food items.
One of the significant positive outcomes anticipated from these interventions was a substantial boost in employment and job creation. The government’s objective was to increase agriculture’s contribution to employment from 35.21 percent to around 70% in the long term.
Alake concluded the briefing by emphasizing the importance of food and water as fundamental to survival. The administration called upon all Nigerians to join hands in ensuring the success of these strategic interventions. President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians was reiterated, assuring the nation that no one would be left behind.
