FG Unveils 180-Day Emergency Plan to Tackle Rising Food Prices

In a bid to address the escalating food prices in Nigeria, the Federal Government has rolled out a series of immediate measures aimed at stabilizing the cost of food commodities across the country. The announcement was made by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, who outlined the government’s strategy on his official X account. A key aspect of the plan is the introduction of a 150-day duty-free import window for critical food commodities, including maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas. This initiative will suspend tariffs, duties, and taxes on these imports, easing the cost burden on both consumers and traders. Kyari emphasized that the government is committed to tackling high food prices over the next 180 days through a combination of importation and local production strategies. As part of the plan, 250,000 metric tons of both wheat and maize will be imported, with these goods to be distributed to small-scale processors and millers to boost local supply. To ensure affordability, the minister confirmed that the imported food will be subject to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP), aiming to prevent price gouging. Kyari reassured the public that despite concerns over the quality of imported goods, stringent quality controls will be maintained to guarantee food safety. In addition to these immediate actions, the government plans to ramp up local agricultural production by strengthening support for smallholder farmers. The ongoing wet season farming will be bolstered through existing government initiatives, and efforts will be made to accelerate dry-season farming. The government will also prioritize agricultural mechanization to reduce production costs and increase overall productivity. Kyari further mentioned the government’s engagement with relevant stakeholders to set a Guaranteed Minimum Price (GMP) for surplus food commodities and replenish the National Strategic Food Reserve. This comprehensive approach seeks to stabilize food prices, support farmers, and enhance the nation’s agricultural capacity in the coming months.

Police Dismiss Allegations of Misconduct in August Protests  

The Nigeria Police Force has denied accusations by Amnesty International claiming the use of excessive force and illegal arrests during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024.  According to a statement from the Force, these claims are inaccurate and contradict reports submitted by police commands involved in managing the protests.   The police maintained that officers followed strict guidelines throughout the demonstrations, ensuring the safety of peaceful protesters while addressing violent situations with specialized units.  The Inspector-General of Police had instructed officers to avoid using arms unless protests escalated into violent riots threatening lives or property.   READ ALSO: Full List: Amnesty International Identifies 24 Protesters Killed During August Protest Officials also clarified that arrests were focused on individuals engaged in criminal acts such as vandalism, looting, and arson.  The Force emphasized that detainees were treated lawfully, and no protester fatalities were caused by police actions.   In a reconciliatory move, the Federal Government has pardoned those arrested during the protests, furthering efforts to foster national unity.