The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians that all necessary steps will be taken to address the rising cost of food items in the country.
The Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, gave this assurance during the distribution of food items to residents of Lagos State at the premises of the Agriculture Development Authority in Oko Oba, Agege area of the state.
The food items, which include Garri, Maize, and Sorghum, were facilitated through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The Minister, who was represented by Mr. Stephen Adewale, Zonal Director of NEMA, said that the items were intended to provide succor to the beneficiaries, who are mostly vulnerable members of society.
He disclosed that the federal government had made far-reaching decisions to ensure that farmers return to farming in some states facing security challenges.
On her part, the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, thanked the federal government for the gesture while promising that the items would reach the intended beneficiaries.
Olusanya, who was represented by the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Rasheed Macaulay, explained that the state had implemented several measures to reduce the hardship faced by residents in purchasing food items.
According to her, the state had also distributed food items to residents, created Market Food Hubs where items are sold at reduced prices, and established Sunday Markets where items are brought close to the doorsteps of residents.
At least thirty thousand beneficiaries, including the aged, artisans, and people living with disabilities, went home with Garri, Maize, and Sorghum.
The quantities distributed were 3,760 bags of 25kg Garri, 15,600 bags of 50kg Maize, and 16,000 bags of 50kg Sorghum.
