Minister of Trade, Industry, and Investments, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, expressed concern about the soaring prices of food commodities in Nigeria and outlined the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the issue.
She spoke while on a visit to Kano on Thursday to identify the causes of high prices of food and see how the Federal Government can come in and to also interact with stakeholders.
The minister discussed the government’s plans to boost job creation and elevate the value of commodities to meet export standards. She stressed the importance of collaboration with marketers and traders to ensure adequate food provision, as they play a crucial role in the country’s food security agenda and the export of finished products.
“We have come here to look at the market and see why food prices have gone up because we have gotten reports of increases in prices in the market.
“And also to collaborate with marketers and traders and how we can ensure that there is adequate food provision.
“They are very instrumental and key to our food security agenda. It is also very important and key to the products for export, which is very important to my ministry in terms of growing export, and finished products.
“The president has also charged us to ensure that exports of raw materials are improved through the export of value-added products.
“As most of our commodities are rejected we want to find out how we can improve them to standard.
“We are here on a stakeholder engagement to find out how we can come in, to see how we can increase the amount of export to foreign countries” she stated.
Additionally, the minister announced the Federal Government’s initiative to train 10 million people in various artisan skills and certify them as professionals.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, represented by his Chief of Staff, Shehu Wada Sagagi, called on the Federal Government to address challenges related to food production.
He specifically noted the cumbersome processes of registration with regulatory bodies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), noting the financial burden on investors.
During her visit, the minister also engaged with the private sector at Gerawa Oil Mills Limited and the Dala Inland Dry Port Nigeria Limited to discuss the way forward.
