*To Consider Food Importation If Hunger Persists
*Goes After Hoarders
THE Federal Government has hinted that it will consider direct importation of food if it becomes imperative to halt the increasing cost of items, especially food, in the country and reduce the sufferings of Nigerians.
In the interim, government has ordered the immediate release of 102,000 metric tonnes of rice and maize from the national grain reserve to cushion the effect of food shortages on the citizens.
According to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris, the decision was arrived at after three days of deliberation by the Special Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The minister disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has directed that food be made available, no matter whatever it takes, in the aftermath of protests in some states against high cost of food, as well as other economic challenges in the country.
Idris also stated that government would not hesitate to sanction food hoarders, saying emergency situations require emergency measures to ensure food is available to Nigerians.
He, therefore, urged Nigerians to refrain from hoarding food, while government deliberately invests massively in food production.
Idris added: “Now, the third item is that government is also looking at the possibility, if it becomes absolutely necessary, as an interim measure on the short run, to also import some of these commodities immediately, so that these commodities can be made available to Nigerians immediately within the next couple of weeks.”
He warned hoarders to refrain from the act, threatening that anyone found violating government directive would face the wrath of the law, adding: “Government is appealing to them, that they should open up these stores, make these commodities available in the interest of our nation.
“There is no point when the whole country is looking for this food, you are locking up these products so that you make more more money and then Nigerians suffer.
“Of course, government will not fold its arms. We know where all these major traders are. We know where all these major stores are. And if they don’t respond by bringing these commodities to the market, government will take appropriate measures to ensure that these products are made available to Nigerians.
“It is our own time to face this challenge. Government is going to respond adequately and it is already responding adequately.
“The President has directed that whatever it will take, food will be available to Nigerians at a cost that is also very reasonable. And that is what the summary of this meeting entails.”
