Clarion Olusegun
Amidst the recent turmoil and nationwide protests in various states in Nigeria, the president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and food security.
The president gave the assurance in a nationwide broadcast on Sunday, while addressing the nation on the nationwide #EndBadGovernment protest
Stating his government’s efforts to tackle hunger and boost food production, Tinubu announced an ambitious plan to cultivate over 10 million hectares of land for food production.
In his words: “I have been meeting with our Governors and key Ministers to accelerate food production. We have distributed fertilisers.
“Our target is to cultivate more than 10 million hectares of land to grow what we eat.
“ The Federal Government will provide all necessary incentives for this initiative, whilst the states provide the land, which will put millions of our people to work and further increase food production.”
To support this initiative, the President disclosed that the government has ordered mechanized farming equipment worth billions of Naira from the United States, Belarus, and Brazil.
“In the past few months, we have also ordered mechanized farming equipment such as tractors and planters, worth billions of Naira from the United States, Belarus, and Brazil. I can confirm to you that the equipment is on the way”, he added.
The President further highlighted the removal of tariffs and import duties on essential agricultural commodities and supplies for the next six months.
“I have directed that tariffs and other import duties should be removed on rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, drugs, and other pharmaceutical and medical supplies for the next 6 months, in the first instance, to help drive down the prices,” Tinubu announced.
The President also mentioned the distribution of fertilizers and the provision of incentives to farmers to increase food production at affordable prices.
This approach aims to enhance the agricultural sector and ensure food security for all Nigerians.
In closing, President Tinubu reiterated the government’s dedication to addressing the concerns of citizens and working collaboratively to build a prosperous and self-sufficient nation.
“My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens.”
