Food Shortage: We Are Yet To Return Grains Borrowed To Feed Nigerians – FG

The Nigerian Government on Monday disclosed that it borrowed over 5,000 metric tonnes of grain from ECOWAS to feed citizens.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mustapha Baba-Shehuri, made the disclosure while receiving 3,999 tonnes of cereals donated to Nigeria by ECOWAS.

According to Shehuri, “The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria loaned 5,000MT of assorted grains from ECOWAS Stock which was agreed to be paid back on grain for grain basis.

“Modalities had been put in place to replace the ECOWAS Stock before the advent of COVID-19 Pandemic. That notwithstanding, I can assure you that the stock will be replaced in due course.”

He said to tackle the food crisis in the West African Sub-region, the Heads of Government of ECOWAS member states decided to establish a Regional Food Security Reserve (RFSR) Programme.

“This includes keeping a substantial quantity of food in her Food Reserve that can be used for interventions in case of emergencies and to boost food security within the ECOWAS member States,” he said.

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