In a bid to address the high costs of foodstuffs and combat economic hardship in the country, the Organized Private Sector (OPS) has rejected the idea of food imports and instead supports a clampdown on hoarders. The OPS believes that encouraging local food producers to increase production is the key to resolving the food crisis in Nigeria. This stance was emphasized during a meeting with the President and governors, where the OPS urged the adoption of Kano State’s approach to dealing with hoarding for profiteering.
The OPS firmly opposes the importation of food as a strategy to alleviate the current food crisis in Nigeria. They argue that the country’s population exceeds the amount of food produced due to various factors such as insecurity, flooding, and low mechanization. While acknowledging the short-term benefits of importing food to alleviate hunger, the OPS believes that it is not a sustainable solution. Instead, they advocate for long-term measures that focus on increasing local food production.
The OPS also backs the clampdown on hoarders, who exploit the scarcity of food to make excessive profits. They commend Kano State for taking decisive action against commodities merchants engaged in hoarding for profiteering purposes. By cracking down on hoarders, the OPS aims to ensure that food reaches consumers at fair prices and discourage practices that exacerbate the food crisis.
The OPS recognizes that the current food crisis in Nigeria is a result of multiple factors. In addition to hoarding, issues such as insecurity, flooding, and low mechanization have contributed to the scarcity and high costs of foodstuffs. To address these challenges, the OPS calls for comprehensive measures that prioritize investment in agriculture, improved security, and the implementation of modern farming techniques. By tackling the root causes, the OPS believes that Nigeria can achieve sustainable food security and economic stability.
The OPS’s rejection of food imports and support for a clampdown on hoarders reflects their commitment to finding long-term solutions to Nigeria’s food crisis. By encouraging local food production and addressing the underlying issues affecting agriculture, the OPS aims to ensure food security and alleviate economic hardship. It is hoped that the government and relevant stakeholders will heed the OPS’s recommendations and work towards a more sustainable and resilient food system in Nigeria.