By Akinwale Kasali
Following the blockade of persishable goods and cows from the North to the South, the Lagos State Government has assured Lagosians not to panic and get disturbed as the State Government is on top of the issue.
It stressed that the food blockade from North to South will not lead to food crisis in the State.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, said that there is no need for anxiety as Food security is guaranteed, despite the crisis.
But Lagosians are already feeling the brunt. A number of people who spoke to this magazine do not agree with the Government’s assurance. They say the markets are empty; That there are no food stuffs in the market. Many fear hunger would reign in the land.
However, speaking as a Guest on “Daily Digest with Jimi Disu”, a programme on Nigerian Info 99.3FM, Omotoso said the Government was not ignorant of the food supply situation and assured citizens that it would not be allowed to become a crisis.
Omotoso added that the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu government is aware of the situation and the Governor is on top of it.
He disclosed that the Governor have initiated steps to ensure the matter is resolved by the weekend.
“I assure you Lagosians that Governor Sanwo-Olu is on top of the matter. There will be a meeting. He will tell both sides to embrace peace in the interest of all.’’
He also urged residents to “take it easy” as Lagos State would continue to put facilities in place to ensure self-sufficiency in food production and supply.
It would be recalled that decision of the North to block food transported to the South was as a result of the crisis that emanated from the clash of traders in Shasha, Ibadan, Oyo State Capital.
Food and cattle merchants from the North have withheld supplies, an action that has sparked rising prices.
Findings show that Lagos consumes at least 50% of agricultural products in Nigeria.
Speaking on the return of Lekki Concession Company(LCC) to the Lekki Toll Gate, the Commissioner said that contrary to the misconception in some circles, the facility will not resume tolling soon, considering its destruction during the #EndSARS riots.
He envisaged that it would take months before the toll gate could be put in shape for full operations.
“Even then, there will be a better tolling system, with the use of technology,” Omotoso said.
He said repairs would leverage technology for better travel experience to eliminate time wastage and what the anchor of the programme, Mr. Jimi Disu, described as “stress”.
