It’s been a difficult period for both the government and the governed and to find a way out of the biting economic situation of rising prices of commodities and foodstuffs, President Tinubu on Thursday had a parley with the state governors and members of his cabinet agreeing on proposals that could stem economic hardship on the citizens.

The meeting agreed on common grounds on how to address some of the challenges currently facing the country especially the rising cost of food and insecurity. The President and Governors agreed to work together to solve the problems and tackle the economic pressure being faced by the citizens and bring about lasting solutions.

Speaking to the resolutions of the meeting, the Minister of Information Ibrahim Idris stated that the president and the governors resolved to reject the proposal to restore importation of food as a measure to reduce the prices of basic food items.

He said “a decision has also been taken th to the challenges of insecurity and persistent economic hardship Nigeria is currently facing, which is making basic needs unaffordable for Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu has met with state governors today in Abuja to discuss way forward.

For respite, the president who is planning in the interest of our country, said “there will be no need for food importation at this point,” At this point, the nation requires food to be brought out to the people so that we can control prices and put food on the table of most Nigerians, other commodity traders are busy hoarding these commodities so that Nigerians will suffer or they will make more money as a result

Nigeria has the potential to feed itself and even be a net exporter of food items to other countries. And we do not also want to reverse some of the progress we have seen in terms of food production in this country,” Mr Idris said.

“What we’re seeing now is just a temporary difficulty that will soon go away. Therefore, the solution to it is by continuous investment in agriculture so that food can be made available to all Nigerians.”

“The governors have also agreed to join hands with Mr president to deepen their own investment in the agricultural sector so that more food will be made available to Nigerians. Of course, this investment is not just in crop production, it is also in livestock development and management,” the minister said.

“All this is to ensure that food is available.”

The Minister further explained to the journalists after the meeting that the state governors discussed the possibility of creating state policing to control the menace of insecurity which has pervaded the country.

“Now, there is also a discussion around the issue of state police. The federal government and the state governments are mulling the possibility of setting up state police.

“Of course, this is still going to be further discussed. A lot of work has to be done in that direction. Both the federal government and the state governments agree to the necessity of having state police, now this is a significant shift. But like I said, more work needs to be done in that direction.”

On insecurity which is also affecting farming and food production, President Tinubu made 3 key pronouncements; more police personnel to be recruited to strengthen the force; federal government will work with them and the National Assembly towards putting in place a mechanism that will engender state police instead of the vigilantes that are being used in some states; charged the Governors to strengthen their Forest Rangers and arm them to keep all the forest safe from criminals.

It was agreed that modalities for State Police and addressing security issues to be discussed further at National Economic Council.

On rising cost of food, the President directed that the State Governments and Federal government should collaborate to increase local food production. President advised Governors to follow the example of Kano State in dealing with hoarding of food for profiteering by commodities merchants. He directed the Inspector-General of Police, National Security Adviser, Department of State Services to monitor warehouses hoarding food items across the country and stop profiteering by merchants.

President charged Governors to pay attention to livestock development in their states and increase production most especially poultry and fishing products.

He also pleaded with Governors to ensure all salary arrears to workers, gratuities to workers and pensioners are cleared as a way to put money into the hands of the people since states are now getting more monthly FAAC revenue. Spend the money, don’t spend the people, he urged the governors