President Bola Tinubu’s administration has unveiled a series of strategic measures aimed at mitigating the high cost of food across Nigeria. These initiatives, set to be rolled out over the next 180 days, are designed to boost food availability and stabilize prices, ensuring food security for all Nigerians.
150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities
The government has introduced a 150-day window during which duties, tariffs, and taxes on certain food imports will be suspended. This measure covers essential commodities such as maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas. To prevent price gouging, these imported items will adhere to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP). Ensuring the safety of these food items for consumption remains a non-negotiable priority for the government.
Government-Backed Importation and Support for Small-Scale Processors
Beyond private sector imports, the Federal Government will import 250,000 metric tons of wheat and maize each. These semi-processed commodities are earmarked for small-scale processors and millers nationwide, thereby supporting local food processing industries.
Setting Guaranteed Minimum Prices and National Food Reserve
In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, the government will establish a Guaranteed Minimum Price (GMP) for food commodities. Additionally, surplus food will be acquired to replenish the National Strategic Food Reserve, ensuring a buffer against future shortages.
Boosting Domestic Agricultural Production
To sustain and increase food production, the administration will continue to support smallholder farmers during the ongoing wet season and ramp up dry season farming. Plans include:
- Accelerating agricultural mechanization to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
- Collaborating with state governments to expand irrigable land.
- Working with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to rehabilitate irrigation facilities.
- Engaging youth and women in greenhouse cultivation of crops like tomatoes and peppers to stabilize prices and improve availability.
- Expediting the Defence Farms Scheme to utilize arable land under the Nigerian Military and encouraging other paramilitary bodies to follow suit.
Livestock Development Initiatives
On July 9, 2024, the Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee will be inaugurated to develop policies aligned with the National Livestock Transformation Plan, enhancing livestock production.
Promoting Nutrition Security
Efforts to enhance nutrition security will include the promotion of fortified foods and support for the Home Garden Initiative, led by the First Lady’s office, to encourage home-based food production.
Monitoring and Accountability
Over the next 14 days, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security will work closely with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) and the Economic Management Team (EMT) to finalize the implementation frameworks. A dashboard managed by the PFSCU will provide the President with real-time updates on these interventions, ensuring transparency and accountability.
These comprehensive measures underscore the administration’s commitment to addressing the high cost of food and enhancing food security across Nigeria. Information on the implementation will be publicly accessible, encouraging the participation of all relevant stakeholders.
Tags
News