Food Crisis: President Tinubu Urges Governors to Crack Down on Incompetence, Boost Food Production

News in Brief: - In a meeting with state governors, President Tinubu prioritised food security through domestic production and eliminating import exploitation. -Governors' Forum chair expressed commitment to partnering with the federal government on the critical issues. In a critical meeting with Nigeria's 36 state governors on Thursday, President Bola Tinubu outlined a roadmap for tackling national challenges. He stressed the importance of homegrown solutions in food security, unwavering commitment to security reforms, and unwavering support for the Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) monetary policy independence. He lamented that currency speculations and postulations were contributing to the naira flunctuations and devaluation. "Every one of us can not be an expert. If we have given someone an assignment, let us allow them to do it. If they can not do it, then we find a way to quickly get them out of the system," Tinubu said. Still on the issue of competence and performing assigned tasks, he told state governors that there is no room for incompetence.

PRESIDENT TINUBU TO 36 STATE GOVERNORS: THERE MUST BE ZERO TOLERANCE FOR INCOMPETENCE; SUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS TO BOOST FOOD PRODUCTION AND REMOVE RENT SEEKERS President Bola Tinubu says his administration is evolving home-grown solutions to address the nation's food security… pic.twitter.com/7HHTc5L8la

— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) February 15, 2024

On food security, Tinubu advocated for robust support to local farmers and the elimination of unscrupulous actors who exploit food imports. He firmly rejected price controls and food importation, instead favoring schemes that incentivise and empower domestic production. Additionally, he underscored the need for swift implementation of existing livestock development plans, encompassing dairy farming and other sectors. Interestingly, in a bid to address immediate concerns, President Tinubu directed security agencies to investigate reports of large-scale food hoarding in warehouses, eliminating such exploitative practices. "From Kano, we have read reports about large-scale hoarding of food in some warehouses. The National Security Adviser (NSA), the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services should coordinate very closely and ensure that security agencies in the states inspect such warehouses with follow up action," he said. As regards security, he approved setting up a committee made up of state governors and federal government representatives to explore the 'modalities' for establishing state police. He also supported the training and equipping of forest rangers in safeguarding human lives and preserving natural resources in local communities by sub-national governments. Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, representing the Nigeria Governors' Forum, expressed appreciation for the President's leadership. He also reaffirmed the governors' commitment to collaborating with the federal government in addressing the nation's pressing issues.