Tinubu Directs FEC Committee to Slash Food Prices Across Nigeria
Tinubu Directs FEC Committee to Drive Down Food Prices Nationwide
President Bola Tinubu has mandated a Federal Executive Council (FEC) committee to take further steps aimed at reducing the cost of food items across the country. Eagles Sight News has gathered.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a one-day capacity-building workshop for Senate correspondents.
According to him, the president’s directive is focused on ensuring the smooth and safe transportation of food products across major routes in Nigeria, as part of efforts to achieve Tinubu’s vision of food sovereignty.
Mr Abdullahi stressed that the federal government is determined to tackle the high cost of moving farm produce across the country, which significantly contributes to the rise in market prices.
He said, *“I can say it on good authority to you that the president has given a matching order with a federal executive council committee already handling it. On how we are going to promote safe passage of agricultural foods and commodities across our various routes in the country.
“We are aware, and I’m sure as media, you are also aware, there are routes through which commodities are taken before they are delivered. If you know the amount of money that is being spent, you can now understand why those commodities have to be expensive at the point of delivery.
“So, we are working very hard, we are doing quite a lot. But I’ve just given you a snippet because I’m here, and I felt we should look at that.”*
The minister explained that food sovereignty encompasses food security and sufficiency, which include availability, accessibility, affordability, and proper nutritional value on a sustainable basis.
He further revealed that other initiatives, including the Farmer Soil Health Scheme and Cooperative Reform Programme, are already in the pipeline and will be rolled out soon.
*“We are having what you call the Farmer Soil Health Scheme. And that is ready for launch; we are just waiting for the date. Mr President has shown tremendous interest in the cooperative sector as a veritable tool for resource mobilisation, for economic activity generation, and to improve the livelihood of members.
“The principle of cooperation is clear, democratic, yet it is also very productive. So, we are reforming this. There is a number of things we are doing there and I will urge you, as a press corps, to consider forming a cooperative,”* he added.