Nigeria can feed itself, no need for importation – FG

The Federal Government has said that the country doesn’t need to import food items from other countries, stating that Nigeria can feed itself and even be an exporter of food items.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known at a press briefing in Aso Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.

He said, “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.

“The governors have also agreed to join hands with Mr President to deepen their own investment in the agricultural sector so that more food will be made available to Nigerians.

“Of course, these investment is not just in crop production; it is also in livestock development. All these is to ensure that food is available.”

Idris spoke after President Bola Tinubu met with the 36 state governors at the villa on Thursday.

The President had said he would not set up a board to regulate the prices of food commodities in the country.

“What I will not do is to set a price control board. I will not also approve the importation of food,” Tinubu disclosed.

The meeting was attended by the Vice President, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, and some ministers.

Protests had broken out in several states of the country over the high cost of living and food commodities.

However, Tinubu stated that his administration could get Nigerians out of the food crisis.

He said the FG would support farmers with schemes that would enable them to grow more food.

“We must also look at the rapid but thoughtful implementation of our livestock development and management plans, including dairy farming and others,” Tinubu stated.