FG Set to Implement Measures to Combat Food Hoarding, Punish Offenders

In a bid to combat the practice of hoarding food items in hopes of inflating prices, the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu is set to implement stringent measures. Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, alongside National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, conveyed this message to governors, emphasizing the need to deter such actions and penalize those found guilty.

During a recent visit to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari in Abuja, Governor Sule reiterated the government’s commitment to curbing high prices by addressing the root causes. He pledged increased support for dry season farming and assistance to smallholder farmers to boost production and alleviate pressure on foreign exchange reserves.

“In line with the renewed hope agenda and at the behest of the Minister of Agriculture, we are doubling our efforts. For example, if we have been providing 13,000 bags of fertilizer, we will now increase it to 26,000 bags,” Governor Sule stated.

Furthermore, the government is exploring the establishment of strategic grain reserves to mitigate the impact of price fluctuations caused by hoarding practices. Minister Kyari expressed optimism regarding Nasarawa State’s readiness for dry season farming, noting its proficiency in cultivating grains, legumes, and root crops, as well as housing major rice milling facilities. He urged continued support for farmers during this critical period to ensure food security and stabilize prices in the market.