Rising Food prices: Take immediate strategic action, lawmaker advises FG, state govts
By Mohammed Baba Busu
Sen. Babangida Hussaini-Uba, (APC/Jigawa) has urged the Federal, State Governments and other stakeholders to take immediate strategic measures against the rising cost of food prices in the country.
Hussaini-Uba, the Chairman, Senate Committee on FERMA, made the call in a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday.
The statement, titled : Rising Cost of Food Prices of Harvest Season, call for urgent action by FG and all stakeholders.
According to him, the FG, states and local governments as well as stakeholders need to take immediate strategic action “to avert palpable danger and ameliorate the situation in the interest of the nation.”
The senator said that the cost of basic food items was rising astronomically in the country, hence the need for actions in that direction.
“I have observed that the cost of basic food items is rising astronomically across the rural communities in the northern states and other parts of the country.
“This trend and its attendant economic burden on the people are quite alarming, especially at the start of the harvest season when food crops are expected to be sold at affordable prices.
“It is most unfortunate that insecurity, banditry and other nefarious activities of criminals in most of the food- producing areas are rising by the day.
“They are among other factors that contribute to the rising food prices and food insecurity in the country.”
Hussaini-Uba, who holds the traditional title of “Walin Kazaure”, said the disturbing trend needed to be checked immediately.
“This ugly trend needs to be checked immediately before things get completely out of hand as it portends serious threat to our national food security and stability as a nation,” he said.
