Amid the economic hardship facing Nigerians, the federal government has said there would be no need to import food items into the country.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who made the disclosure shortly after a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the state governors, on Thursday, said the government had ordered a clampdown on food hoarders.
According to the Minister, security agencies would collaborate with state governments to arrest the hoarders and make food commodities available to Nigerians at the appropriate price.
“The governors and Mr President have decided that security agencies will collaborate with the state governors to ensure this ends.
“Number two, a decision has also been taken, that in the interest of our country, there will be no need for food importation at this point.
“Nigeria has the potential to feed itself and even be a net exporter of food items to other countries. What we’re seeing now is just a temporary difficulty that will soon be over, ” Idris said.
The minister said that numerous interventions taken by the president to ensure food security would soon start to yield fruits.
Idris said that Tinubu had declared a state of emergency on agriculture many months ago and that the federal and state governments have made massive investments in crop production and livestock development and management.
Hardship: No need for food importation – Nigerian Govt insists amid hunger