Uncertainty trails strategic grain reserves

Weeks after President Muhammadu Buhari directed that 10,000 metric tonnes of grains be released to cushion the effects of rising food prices in the country, the state of the nation’s strategic reserves remains unknown to some stakeholders. Some sources said despite the presidential directive, the Ministry of Agriculture was yet to release the grains. Engineer […]

Weeks after President Muhammadu Buhari directed that 10,000 metric tonnes of grains be released to cushion the effects of rising food prices in the country, the state of the nation’s strategic reserves remains unknown to some stakeholders.
Some sources said despite the presidential directive, the Ministry of Agriculture was yet to release the grains.
Engineer Moses Oyewale Adewoye, the director, Strategic Grains Reserves (SGR), however, denied allegations that the ministry was yet to release the grains.
“The process is ongoing.  We have released so far about  300 trucks. If we don’t have grains where did we get the ones we gave the Poultry Association of Nigeria? We are releasing 7,050 metric tonnes to them for their feed,” he said.
In a phone interview with Daily Trust, the president of the (PAN), Dr. Oduntain Ayoola, confirmed that the association had received 3,000 metric tonnes of grains from the strategic grains reserves.
“Although the minister promised us 7,000 metric tonnes, we have so far received only 3,000 tonnes,” he said.
Some sources within the ministry said though parts of the grains were being released, most of the nation’s grain reserves were near empty.
One of the sources said the grains reserves were heavily depleted during last year’s transition period, adding that some politicians in immediate past administration tampered with some of the strategic reserves.
However, Engnr. Adewoye denied the allegation, saying the nation’s grain reserves were intact.
Prices of foodstuff continue to rise in the market taking a huge toll on the poor. Locally produced rice now sells for N400 per measure while imported variety goes for N550 to N600. Maize and sorghum now sell for between N180 and N220 as against N100 they were sold last year.
Garri, which was sold at N100 to N120 depending on quality, now sells for between N200 and N250 while yam is now beyond the reach of many Nigerians.