By Daniel Edu
In a crucial development, Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, has highlighted smuggling as a significant challenge impacting the food availability in Nigeria. This revelation came to light during his address to the House of Representatives on Tuesday as part of the ongoing policy debate series held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
Present in the distinguished chamber were the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, and other high-ranking government officials.
Kyari emphasized, “We have observed the smuggling of foodstuff to neighboring countries, adversely affecting the availability of essential food items in our nation.”
It’s worth noting that in November 2023, under the leadership of Abbas Tajudeen, the 10th House initiated the Sectoral Debate series. This strategic endeavor aims to strengthen the constitutional oversight of the executive branch of the government.