HMS Dr A. S. Abdullahi AIT Town Hall on Cost of Living Crisis
The Hon. Minister of State, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi CON, on Thursday, February 22, 2024, participated in a Town Hall on Cost of Living Crisis, organised by AIT.
The Town Hall discussed the progress made regarding the release of grains, emphasizing that these grains are currently bagged and data is being compiled to target vulnerable groups for distribution. The impact of various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the flooding in 2021, and 2022, significantly affected food production, contributing to the ongoing crisis. Addressing the issue of hoarding, I highlighted the government’s concerted efforts to crack down on those storing food items without selling. By balancing demand and supply, the government aims to lower prices. Notably, the Nigerian market plays a crucial role in supplying the entire West Africa region.
In terms of collaboration with stakeholders, I informed the forum about our robust partnership with State governments. Together, we are working to establish a comprehensive database of farmers, eliminating portfolio farmers from the system. This approach ensures that support is directed towards genuine farmers. Regarding solutions and ongoing plans, the ministry has initiated dry season farming, focusing on wheat production across 1200 thousand hectares They first phase is set to commence harvest in March, with a ensuring food security and not play politics with a matter of such national importance.
The second phase soon to be launched, concentrating on rice production. We are committed to addressing the crisis, emphasizing President directive to treat it as a national issue, free from political considerations. We are dedicated to ensuring food security and not play politics with a matter of such national importance.
Please find below, YouTube link for the event.