Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
The Federal Government has ordered a free distribution of 42,000 tons of grains to those in great need in the country in order to cushion the effects of hunger on them.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, revealed this yesterday at the inaugural Ministerial Press Briefing Serie, in Abuja.
He added that his team had met with the leadership of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Department of State Services (DSS), to come up with modalities on how the grains would be distributed.
Kyari said food scarcity is not a new thing in the country.
“On the issue of food scarcity, before, we all know that in March and April, just before the wet season usually food prices go up. What we are seeing this time around in January and February means that the issue of supply and demand is taking place.
“The affordability aspect is the greatest challenge in which we find ourselves today. It is available in the market but it not affordable. So these are the interventions the government is trying to do.
“The number one is to make food available which is through production and the off-take from the rice mills.
“So, the major point today is affordability. Scarcity is looming with the way it is going.
“We have directed the release of 42,000 tons of grains to be delivered freely to those who need it the most.
“We have met with NEMA. We have met with the DSS to give us the index to gather intelligence report of where they gather and need the most.”
He accused those hoarding foodstuffs in order to sell at a higher price and assured Nigerians that the government would crash the prices of those items.
“We have received reports within the last couple of days of storage in warehouses full of foodstuffs being broken down. We have also heard of some hoarding.
“They are keeping for store of value. What do you think of rural people who keep them up to 15 bags waiting for it to continue to grow?
“When they look at the prices going up and they know they can keep to derive benefits from it. What we are trying to do is to crash the price through the means of supply and demand.”
On the planned establishment of the National Commodity Board, he said: “This is arising from the challenge that we face in this country today.
“You will agree with me that today, anybody can go to farm gate and buy items even if it is somebody India or any other country.
“This is an arrangement that they will take charge of what is needed for the country in terms securing supply of food for our teeming population, before others take.”