The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, attributed Nigeria’s current food inflation to market dynamics of supply and demand rather than a scarcity issue.
However, he revealed that the government had approved the distribution of 42,000 metric tons of grains to vulnerable Nigerians at no cost.
Kyari made these statements during the inaugural Ministerial Press Briefing Series (MPBS) organized by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation. He assured that measures were in place to ensure that only deserving individuals and communities received the food aid.
Addressing the perception of food as a mere trading commodity rather than a fundamental aspect of national food security, Kyari emphasized the need to prevent double taxation on food in transit.
The minister also discussed the newly established commodity board’s role in tackling current food challenges. This board aims to regulate foreign access to farmgate purchases directly from local farmers. Kyari stressed the importance of achieving food self-sufficiency before considering exports.
He explained that the commodity board arose from the need to address challenges where anyone, including foreigners, could purchase goods directly from farmgates. Kyari emphasized prioritizing domestic food supply before considering exports, stating, “You must have a surplus before it goes outside. If you don’t feed yourself, you cannot export.”
