By Milcah Tanimu

The Federal Government has pledged to address the escalating cost of food by releasing food items from the National Food Reserves. This move comes as part of a broader strategy discussed at the meeting of the Special Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention, convened by President Bola Tinubu and led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized the government’s commitment to alleviating the hardship faced by Nigerians due to food shortages. He stated that measures would include unlocking food reserves held by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and engaging major millers and commodity traders to ensure the availability of food items.

Idris addressed concerns about food scarcity, asserting that there is still food in the country but some individuals are capitalizing on the situation, exacerbating the problem of high food prices. The meeting, attended by key government officials including the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Minister of Finance, discussed various strategies to mitigate the crisis.

While Idris acknowledged that immediate solutions are contingent on follow-up meetings, he assured that the government is actively working to provide relief to Nigerians. Discussions are ongoing, and definitive actions will be taken to address the issue of food scarcity and rising prices.