Tinubu Directs Action on Further Reduction of Food Prices …Agric Minister of State reiterates food sovereignty as key vision

President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive to a committee within the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to ensure a further reduction in food prices across the country, according to the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi.

Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja at a one-day capacity-building workshop for journalists covering the Senate, Senator Abdullahi explained that the move would be achieved through the guaranteed safe passage of agricultural produce and commodities across different routes nationwide.

He noted that the President’s directive on lowering food prices and facilitating unhindered movement of farm produce is tied to his vision of achieving food sovereignty.

“In addressing the high cost of transporting farm produce in the country, I can say on good authority that the President has given a marching order, with a federal executive council committee already handling it, on how we are going to promote safe passage of agricultural foods and commodities across our various routes,” Abdullahi said.

“We are aware, and I am sure as media practitioners you are also aware, that there are routes through which commodities must pass before delivery. If you know the amount being spent, you will understand why these commodities are costly by the time they get to the final consumer. So, we are working very hard. We are doing quite a lot, but I have just given you a snippet because I felt we should look at that,” he added.

On the broader vision of food sovereignty, the Minister stressed that it is anchored on food security and sufficiency, with emphasis on availability, accessibility, affordability, and nutritional quality on a sustainable basis.

He further revealed that other programmes such as the Farmer Soil Health Scheme and Cooperative Reform Initiative are being prepared for implementation.

“We are having what you call the Farmer Soil Health Scheme, and that is ready for launch, we are just waiting for the date. Another very important programme is the cooperative reform and revamped initiative. Mr. President has shown tremendous interest in the cooperative sector as a tool for resource mobilization, economic activity generation, and improvement of members’ livelihoods. Cooperatives are democratic, yet highly productive, and we are reforming them. I will also urge you, as a press corps, to consider forming a cooperative,” Abdullahi stated.

Other speakers at the workshop themed “Parliamentary Reporting: Issues, Challenges and Responsibilities” included the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Senator Ita Solomon Enang, and the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Sulaiman.

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