FG Seeks States’ Collaboration To Check Soaring Costs Of Food Items

By Ayodele Oni

As part of move to curtail continued soaring prices of food items, President Bola Tinubu has directed State Governments to collaborate with Federal government to increase local food production.

Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga stated that at a meeting with governors in Abuja on Thursday, the President advised against the idea of food importation  and price control when local food producers should be encouraged to produce  more food.

The President advised Governors to follow the example of Kano State in dealing with hoarding of food for profiteering by commodities merchants, while he directed the Inspector-General of Police, National Security Adviser, Department of State Services  to monitor warehouses hoarding food items across the country and stop profiteering by merchants.

He charged Governors to pay attention to livestock development in their states and increase production most especially poultry and fishing products.

Tinubu pleaded with Governors to ensure all salary arrears to workers, gratuities to retired workers and pensioners are cleared as a way to put money into the hands of the people since states are now getting more monthly FAAC revenue stressing “Spend the money, don’t spend the people.”

President Tinubu further implored Governors to create more economic opportunities for the youths in their states to keep them more productively engaged.