The Federal Government says there is no need for the country to import food items from other countries, noting that Nigeria can feed itself and even be a net exporter of food items.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known at a briefing in Aso Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.
Idris spoke after President Bola Tinubu met with the 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike at the Villa.
With many protests breaking out in states across the Federation over high cost of living and food shortages, some commentators had advised the government to consider the importation of essential commodities like rice, flour, amongst others.
However, briefing reporters about the outcome of the meeting between the President and the governor on Thursday, the minister said, “A decision has also been taken that in the interest of our country, there will be no need for food importation at this point. Nigeria has the potential to feed itself and even be a next exporter of food items to other countries.
“The governors have also agreed to join hands with Mr President to deepen their own investment in the agricultural sector so that more food will be made available to Nigerians.
“Of course, these investment is not just in crop production; it is also in livestock development. All these is to ensure that food is available.”
