Nigerian Governors Announce Strategic Steps to Tackle Food and Economic Crises
The 36 state governors, under the umbrella of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), have unveiled strategic and proactive steps to address the food and economic crises in the country. They have outlined temporary and long-term measures, including massive investments in agriculture, to combat the prevailing food insecurity.
One of the initiatives highlighted is in Akwa Ibom State, where the government plans to establish an agency that will buy food items in bulk and sell them at cheaper prices to residents. Governor Umo Eno has forwarded a bill to the House of Assembly for the establishment of this agency, emphasizing the importance of patience from residents as the bill goes through the legislative process.
In Kano State, authorities have taken action against traders suspected of hoarding supplies by raiding warehouses. Similarly, Yobe State has banned bulk purchases of grain from local markets to prevent hoarding and exports across Nigeria’s borders, aiming to alleviate food scarcity and high costs.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, has announced a ban on mass purchase of foodstuffs from local markets. He has instructed security forces to confiscate trucks carrying products in bulk and distribute them to the people.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has pledged to eradicate hunger and poverty through investments in agriculture and agro-industrialisation, aiming to boost the rural economy.
Additionally, the Ekiti State government has committed N1 billion to improve food production. In Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal recently met with the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria to discuss strategies for growing the state’s economy and addressing current hardships.
NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, along with governors from Taraba, Ondo, and Kogi, met with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to discuss increased crop production. Abdulrazaq expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers Programme.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, described the governors’ visit as a significant step towards collaboration between the ministry and state governments.
TheGuardian News
