The federal government has announced plans to establish a National Commodity Board aimed at regulating and stabilizing the cost of essential food items across the country in a bid to address the pressing issue of escalating food prices.
Vice President Kashim Shettima unveiled this strategic initiative during a pivotal two-day high-level meeting on climate change, food systems, and resource mobilization held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Themed “Climate Resilience and Food Security: Nigeria’s Vision for the Future,” the event underscored Nigeria’s commitment to mitigating climate change effects and ensuring food security amidst mounting challenges.
Senator Shettima emphasized the administration’s proactive policy reforms geared towards enhancing food and water accessibility and affordability. He outlined a multi-faceted approach to tackling the looming food crisis, encompassing immediate, medium, and long-term strategies. Among these strategies, the short-term solution entails revitalizing food supply through targeted interventions such as fertilizer and grain distribution to farmers and households, counteracting the effects of subsidy removal. Additionally, the establishment of a National Commodity Board is slated to address price volatility by regulating food prices and maintaining strategic food reserves for key grains and food items.
Assuring stakeholders of the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, Shettima highlighted plans to restore four million hectares of degraded lands within Nigeria’s borders, aligning with the AFR100 Initiative.
Addressing security concerns hindering farming activities, the Vice President pledged to engage the security architecture to safeguard farms and farmers, enabling their return to agricultural pursuits without fear of attacks.
