Uche Nwosu, former Chief of Staff to the Imo State Governor and President of the Ugwumba Leadership Center for Africa, has provided insights into why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency on food security. According to Nwosu, Tinubu’s declaration was aimed at mitigating the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
In a statement, Nwosu praised Tinubu for his decision, considering it the right move. He highlighted the significance of the President’s action, emphasizing his understanding of the consequences of removing subsidies on petrol and its effects on Nigerians, particularly household economies.
The statement further acknowledged the growing concern over food inflation in the country and expressed hope that the government would swiftly address the hardships faced by citizens. Nwosu commended Tinubu for prioritizing urgent intervention through the state of emergency declaration, showcasing his proactive and hands-on leadership style.
Nwosu also expressed agreement with the thematic areas of focus outlined in President Tinubu’s speech. These areas highlighted the immediate, medium-term, and long-term interventions and solutions to address the crisis. Specifically, Nwosu applauded the administration’s intention to allocate savings from fuel subsidy removal to revamp the agricultural sector, release fertilizers and grains to farmers and households, and promote adequate irrigation of farmlands for year-round food production.
Additionally, Nwosu advocated for the establishment of a National Commodity Board that would regularly review and assess food prices and maintain a strategic food reserve to stabilize prices of essential grains and other food items. Such a board, according to Nwosu, would enable the government to manage fluctuations in food prices effectively.
