Tinubu Declares State of Emergency on Food Security

Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency on food security in the country.

This was sequel to observed food inflation across the 36 states of the federation and Abuja.

The Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Mr Dele Alake, disclosed this to newsmen Thursday after a meeting of stakeholders on agriculture and food production value-chain at the State House, Abuja.

Giving details of the Presidential Intervention on food security, food pricing and sustainability, Alake disclosed that measures in the action plan will include an immediate release of fertilizers and grains to farmers and households to mitigate the effects of the subsidy removal.⁣

He also said the president has approved that all matters pertaining to food and water availability and affordability, as essential livelihood items, be included within the purview of the National Security Council.

According to him, “As a hands-on- leader who follows developments across the country every day, Mr. President is not unmindful of the rising cost of food and how it affects the citizens. 

“While availability is not a problem, affordability has been a major issue to many Nigerians in all parts of the country. This has led to a significant drop in demand thereby undermining the viability of the entire agriculture and food value chain.

“Accordingly, in line with this administration’s position on ensuring that the most vulnerable are supported, Mr. President has declared, with immediate effect, the following actions: That a state of emergency on food security be announced immediately, and

“That all matters pertaining to food and water availability and affordability, as essential livelihood items, be included within the purview of the National Security Council.”

⁣

Details later…