At the event, Shettima encouraged attendees to focus on achieving positive results through their high-level engagement.
To tackle the rising food prices, the Federal Government is considering the establishment of a National Commodity Board as a solution to the problem. This board will be responsible for evaluating and regulating food prices nationwide.
During a two-day strategic meeting on climate change, food systems, and resource mobilization in Abuja on February 13, 2024, Vice President Kashim Shettima revealed the government’s plans. He emphasized the administration’s efforts to address the potential food crisis through immediate, medium, and long-term strategies.
In the short term, the government aims to revitalize the food supply chain by distributing fertilizers and grains to farmers and households to mitigate the effects of subsidy removal. Shettima highlighted the board’s role in continuously assessing and regulating food prices while maintaining strategic food reserves to stabilize prices of essential grains and other food items.
Additionally, there are plans to restore degraded lands, with the administration aiming to restore four million hectares, or nearly 10 million acres, of degraded lands within the country.
Addressing security challenges facing farmers, Shettima assured that the government would enhance security measures to protect farms and farmers, allowing them to return to their farmlands without fear of attacks.
He urged attendees to ensure that the high-level engagement yields positive outcomes.