15th February, 2024
By Paul Dada
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, says the current food inflation experienced by Nigeria is caused by the market forces of demand and supply and not lack of availability.
But he said the 42,000 metric tons of grains recently approved for distribution to vulnerable Nigerians would be provided free of charge.
Kyari said this on Wednesday at the maiden Ministerial Press Briefing Series (MPBS) organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
He said measures were in place to ensure that only needy individuals and communities could get the food palliatives.
“Food is now viewed as a trading commodity, not as a necessity for food security of the nation. And I think because of this situation and the challenge that we face, we have to come out I make absolute statement that no double taxation should be applied to food in transit,” he said.
Kyari said that the recently inaugurated commodity board would work to resolve current food challenges in the country. He said the commodity board would regulate how foreigners access the farmgate and buy directly from local farmers as it is necessary for the country to first achieve self-sufficiency in food production before exporting to other countries.
He said the setting up of the commodity board arose from the challenges faced in the country as anybody can go to farmgate today and buy items.
He said: “Even if it’s somebody from India or any other country, they can go to the farm gate and buy. And these are the issues that we’re facing today in food security.
“But the board will take charge of what is needed in terms of securing the supply of food for our teaming population before others take that which is for export.
“What we believe is that we must secure the country first with food for the population before any surplus. You must have a surplus before it goes outside. If you don’t feed yourself, you cannot export.”