Government Asserts: No Food Shortage in Nigeria Amidst Protests Over High Prices

In a high-level gathering at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, orchestrated a closed-door summit involving National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, alongside several ministers, to confront the pressing issues of food security and mounting protests across various states. The meeting, convened against a backdrop of escalating tensions over rising living costs, drew together prominent figures including the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardoso, and Ministers of Education, Finance, Budget and National Planning, Agriculture, and State for Agriculture.

As political lines blurred amid accusations and counter-accusations, with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) pointing fingers at opposition parties for instigating what they deemed as anti-President Bola Tinubu protests, opposition voices including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) vehemently denied such claims, attributing the unrest to genuine grievances stemming from economic hardships.

Emerging from the intense deliberations that spanned three hours, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, echoed President Tinubu’s profound concern over the unfolding situation, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to assuaging the hardships endured by the populace. Idris reassured the nation of an ample food supply but acknowledged the adverse impact of skyrocketing food prices and currency devaluation, exploited by opportunistic elements.

With a resolute stance, the government pledged to unlock national food reserves to provide immediate relief, signaling a proactive approach to mitigate the crisis. The urgency of the matter was underscored by recent protests in Minna, Niger State, and Kano, where citizens took to the streets to decry the harsh economic realities gripping the nation. Against this backdrop, the government’s decisive actions reflect a concerted effort to address the legitimate concerns of the people and restore stability in the face of mounting socio-economic challenges.