The National Economic Council (NEC), led by Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has instructed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to promptly distribute grains to states within a one to two-week period.
This directive aims to reduce the high prices of food items nationwide.
The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed disclosed the council’s directive during a press briefing after the NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The governor, expressing concern over escalating food prices, noted the importance of food security to the council’s considerations.
He said, “Food is a key component of what is on the table in terms of food security. On the escalation of prices of foodstuff, we are happy because NEC has seriously engaged with NEMA, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and indeed with the Ministry of Agriculture.”
He further explained the council’s plan, which involves distributing portions of grains, available from buffer stocks to states.
This action is expected to lower the prices of food items, as these grains can be supplied at subsidized rates or sold to crash current market prices.
Governor Mohammed emphasized that both state and local governments will play a significant role in the distribution process.
This effort will also involve collaboration between NEMA and corresponding institutions at the state and local government levels, to ensure the smooth distribution of grains.
The governor assured that the process would be transparent, with involvement from civil society organizations and community-based organizations.
He asserted, “The states are involved and of course, at the end of the day you will see that these things will reach the target.”
