Don’t give a cent to anybody to import food into the country, Buhari orders CBN

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Daura, Katsina State, disclosed that he has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to stop providing foreign exchange for importation of food into the country, based on “the steady improvement in agricultural production, and attainment of full food security.”

The President, who hosted All Progressives Congress governors to Eid-el-Kabir lunch at his country home in Daura, said the foreign reserve will be conserved and utilised strictly for diversification of the economy, and not for encouraging more dependence on foreign food import bills.

A statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity), Garba Shehu, states, “Don’t give a cent to anybody to import food into the country,’’ he said.

President noted that some states like Kebbi, Ogun, Lagos, Jigawa, Ebonyi and Kano had already taken advantage of the Federal Government’s policy on agriculture with huge returns in rice farming, urging more states to plug into the ongoing revolution to feed the nation.

“We have achieved food security, and for physical security we are not doing badly,’’he said.

President Buhari said he was particularly delighted that young Nigerians, including graduates, had started exploring agric-business and entrepreneurship, with many posting testimonies of good returns on their investments.

– Punch