Tinubu orders release of 102,000 tons of grains to address growing food crisis

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President Bola Tinubu has taken action in response to the nation’s escalating food crisis and soaring commodity prices.

Over 102,000 metric tons of various grains will be released from the National Food Reserve and the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced this after a series of meetings, highlighting the release of 42,000 metric tons of maize, millet, garri, and other commodities, with an additional 60,000 metric tons of rice from the Rice Millers Association.

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Idris said, “The first one is that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has been directed to release about 42,000 metric tons of maize, millet, garri, and other commodities in their strategic reserve so that these items will be made available to Nigerians; 42,000 metric tons immediately.

“The second one is that we have held meetings with the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria. Those who are responsible for producing this rice and we have asked them to open up their stores.

“They’ve told us that they can guarantee about 60,000 metric tons of rice. This will be made available and we know that that is enough to take Nigerians the next one month to six weeks, perhaps up to two months.”

The minister further stressed that importation is also being considered in case of shortages, and the government is prepared to take punitive measures against food hoarders.