As the federal government initiates the process of giving out palliatives to Nigerians due to the high cost of living, Prof Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno state has stated that it is not the solution to food insecurity.
Speaking at an event to mark the assumption of office by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security and Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari and Senator Aliyu Abdullahi respectively, Zulum noted that there are vast arable lands in Nigeria with enough water bodies and he wishes to see the Ministry work towards ensuring food security including availability of food in terms of quantity and quality.
He said;
“It is clear that palliatives will never solve our problems because these are shorter terms solutions, we must look for medium and longer-term solutions that would address insecurity, food insecurity in Nigeria.
“Therefore, the only alternative we have is to invest in commercial agriculture, modern agriculture, irrigated agriculture, green technology, emerging technology, harvesting rainwater, and among others.
“That is the only solution. Our population is growing in quick geometric direction while our food supply is dwindling, and unless something is quickly done we will never get rid of these problems.
“Therefore, it is my sincere hope that the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security and indeed the technocrats that are here to put heads together with a view of repositioning the nation’s industry.”