President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s stance against importing food into the country amidst the escalating food crises and inflation rates.

The President made the statement at a Friday meeting with the Forum of State Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House in Abuja.

Nigeria’s food inflation rate has soared to 37.92% as of February 2024, prompting speculation that importing food could swiftly alleviate nationwide food price pressures.

However, the President underscored that resorting to food imports won’t address the prevailing food crisis, warning that it fosters corruption and rent-seeking activities.

He mentioned that his administration is determined to invest in the agricultural sector and promote mechanized farming in the country.

His words: “We are bringing mechanized farming to the fore. Yesterday’s crisis will become today’s opportunity. Fertilizers are being supplied to farmers as we speak.

“Agriculture and economic diversification provide the answers to our problems. We will not continue to import food. We know how to turn lack into abundance, and the world will watch us do it again.”

The President mentioned that his government has prepared a comprehensive strategy for large-scale livestock farming, which will be implemented soon.