Tinubu directs action to further reduce food prices nationwide

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed a Federal Executive Council committee to accelerate strategies aimed at reducing food prices across Nigeria. The directive was revealed by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, during a Senate Press Corps workshop in Abuja on Wednesday.

Senator Abdullahi explained that the government’s approach to tackling high food prices centers on ensuring smooth and secure transport of agricultural products along key national routes. By minimizing logistics challenges and cutting transportation expenses, the administration aims to make food commodities more affordable for Nigerian consumers.

The Minister noted that the President’s guidance aligns with his comprehensive vision of achieving food sovereignty, which encompasses not only food security but also ensuring access to adequate nutrition and affordability on a sustainable level. He outlined complementary programs such as the forthcoming Farmer Soil Health Scheme, designed to enhance soil quality and boost crop yields, as well as a cooperative revitalization project targeting resource mobilization and increased economic activity among farming communities.

Abdullahi encouraged media members to consider participating in cooperatives, emphasizing their democratic and productive principles as vital for improving livelihoods. He acknowledged the current move to reform and strengthen these community-based groups as part of the economic development strategy.

He added that in addressing the cost barrier caused by transportation difficulties, the President has commissioned a dedicated committee to find practical solutions that ensure safe and efficient passage of agricultural goods across all routes in the country, and that the Farmer Soil Health Scheme is ready to launch soon, and it will play a pivotal role in improving agricultural productivity.

The Tinubu administration, with these initiatives underway, is determined to push toward stabilizing and lowering food prices in Nigeria, enhancing food sufficiency, and improving the welfare of farmers and consumers alike.