‘STAPLE FOOD WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE’ – TINUBU ORDERS RELEASE OF 200,000 METRIC TONNES OF GRAINS

In a bid to tackle food insecurity in the country, President Bola Tinubu says he has directed the release of 200,000 metric tonnes of grains from strategic reserves to households across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to moderate prices.

The President made this known during a nationwide broadcast on Monday night.

Tinubu, who lamented the hardship imposed on Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidy, also assured that his administration was working to ensure that food was available and affordable to citizens.

Tinubu also disclosed the Federal Government’s resolve to provide 225,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer to farmers who, according to him, were committed to the food security agenda.

He said, “In the short and immediate terms, we will ensure staple foods are available and affordable. To this end, I have ordered the release of 200,000 metric tonnes of grains from strategic reserves to households across the 36 states and FCT to moderate prices.

“We are also providing 225,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer, seedlings and other inputs to farmers who are committed to our food security agenda.”

The President also disclosed that his administration was planning to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmland in a bid to end the food crisis rocking Nigerians presently.

“Our plan to support cultivation of 500,000 hectares of farmland and all-year-round farming practice remains on course. To be specific, N200 billion out of the N500 billion approved by the National Assembly will be disbursed as follows:

“Our administration will invest N50 billion each to cultivate 150,000 hectares of rice and maize.

“N50 billion each will also be earmarked to cultivate 100,000 hectares of wheat and cassava,” he said.