The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to open the borders to address the nation’s food crisis.
In a statement released in Osogbo, Oba Akanbi, through his Chief Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, proposed the importation of grains and building materials to foster market competition and curb inflation.
He suggested that a six-month border opening be implemented to check inflation and acts of sabotage by local producers hindering economic development.
“Local producers or manufacturers of goods are major saboteurs of the economy. They should be checked by encouraging competition. Local items should not be exported. Grains and building materials should be allowed to be imported. This will create competition and control the high price of goods.”
The monarch expressed concern over the severe inflation affecting food prices, noting that government intervention is crucial to ensure the well-being of citizens.
He called on President Tinubu to allow the importation of all food items except perishable products.
He said, “President Ahmed Tinubu should permit the importation of all food items except GMO products.”
“Ban must especially be lifted on the importation of rice and all types of grains,” he added.