Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has assured Nigerians that food prices will drop within six months. The announcement comes on the heels of protests against hunger in the country.
Kyari, who shared this information on his official X handle, revealed that strategies will be implemented over 180 days.
He said the present administration has set deliberate steps that will tackle the high food prices in motion.
He added that Imported food items will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP).
“We understand concerns about the quality of these imports, especially regarding their genetic composition. The government assures that all standards will be maintained to ensure the safety and quality of food items for consumption.
“The Federal Government will import 250,000 metric tons of wheat and 250,000 metric tons of maize. These semi-processed commodities will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country.
“Engagement with relevant stakeholders to set a GMP and purchase surplus food commodities to restock the National Strategic Food Reserve.
“Embarking on aggressive agricultural mechanization to reduce drudgery, lower production costs, and boost productivity,” he said.
Kyari elaborated that the government will partner with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) and the Economic Management Team (EMT) to meet with relevant agencies and conclude the implementation frameworks over the next two weeks.
He said, “We will ensure that information is publicly available to facilitate the participation of all relevant stakeholders across the country.”