The Nigerian government has said it plans to ease food scarcity in the country with the release of 200,000 metric tonnes of grains from special reserves across the country.
The President, Bola Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast, Monday evening, said: “In the short and immediate terms, we will ensure staple foods are available and affordable. To this end, I have ordered the release of 200,000 Metric Tonnes of grains from strategic reserves to households across the 36 states and FCT to moderate prices.
“We are also providing 225,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer, seedlings and other inputs to farmers who are committed to our food security agenda.
“Our plan to support cultivation of 500,000 hectares of farmland and all-year-round farming practice remains on course. To be specific, N200 billion out of the N500 billion approved by the National Assembly will be disbursed as follows:
“-Our administration will invest N50 billion each to cultivate 150,000 hectares of rice and maize.
“-N50 billion each will also be earmarked to cultivate 100,000 hectares of wheat and cassava.”
“This expansive agricultural programme will be implemented targeting small-holder farmers and leveraging large-scale private sector players in the agric business with strong performance record.”
