The National Assembly has through its Joint Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development engaged the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari on the need to find urgent solution to food inflation bedeviling the country.
The Committee Chaired by Senator Saliu Mustapha (APC Kwara Central), at an interface with the Minister questioned him on the plans being put in place to arrest the rising costs of food prices in the country and making it affordable and available to the poor masses.
In his response, Senator Kyari said the Federal Government has commenced distribution of 42,000 metric tons of grains to some focal points of state capitals nationwide.
“We have received directive and approval from Mr. President to distribute for immediate impact 42,000 metric tons of assorted grains free of charge to the Nigerian population.
“This was received in mid-February. As we are speaking, we have a record of the distribution being carried out, but I will want to plead with the honourable House and distinguished senators, that some of the movements can’t be made public, but a lot of states have started receiving their grains.
“We are distributing to State capitals in the first instance, as you all are aware the risk involved in the vandalisation of foodstuff, so we are working with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other national security agencies.
“Furthermore, 58,500 metric tons of milled rice from mega rice millers will also be released into the market for stabilization”, he said.
He explained further that actions being taken, became necessary in other to cushion the impacts of hardship on Nigerians which he said, will soon become a thing of the past.
For security purposes, he informed the committee members that his ministry was working with the Office of the National Security Adviser, and other national security outfits to address issues on vandalisation of food warehouses across the country.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the interactive session, the Chairman of the joint committee, Senator Mustapha expressed satisfaction with the steps being taken by the Federal Government.
“From our interactive session, we on the other side of the parliament, we are fully in the picture of what is happening. We are convinced that the steps being taken by the Federal Government is in the right direction.
“All we did again, is to further emphasize on the need for certain things to be done on time. I think from this collaborative approach, by the grace of God, Nigerians will have a better feel of the government policy on food security,” Mustapha said.
