BREAKING: President Tinubu Orders Release Of Over 100 Metric Tons Of Grains To Ease Food Crisis In Nigeria

In response to the escalating food crisis and the increasing prices of commodities, President Bola Tinubu has taken swift action by authorizing the prompt release of over 102,000 metric tons of diverse grain varieties from the National Food Reserve and the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed the crucial information with State House correspondents following a series of three meetings held by the Special Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention at the Aso Rock Villa.

Idris said: “The first one is that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has been directed to release about 42,000 metric tons of maize, millet, garri, and other commodities in their strategic reserve so that these items will be made available to Nigerians; 42,000 metric tons immediately.

“The second one is that we have held meetings with the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria. Those who are responsible for producing this rice and we have asked them to open up their stores.

“They’ve told us that they can guarantee about 60,000 metric tons of rice. This will be made available and we know that that is enough to take Nigerians the next one month to six weeks, perhaps up to two months.”

The minister disclosed that the government will turn to imports to address any deficiencies noticed following the distribution of the food items.

Furthermore, he said if the need arises, the government is considering the option of importing certain goods as a temporary solution in the immediate future.

Idris, who chose not to provide details, confirmed the federal government’s preparedness to impose penalties on individuals he referred to as food hoarders.