Calls for Establishment of Commodity Boards, Suspension of Planned Protest
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organization, Afenifere, has commended the Federal Government for fixing the price of rice at N40,000 per bag. However, Afenifere suggests that the distribution of the commodity should be done through market associations instead of state governments.
In a press statement issued by Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, the organization acknowledges the distribution of rice in all 36 states and Abuja, emphasizing the commendable effort to address the prevailing hunger crisis.
It is worth recalling that on Monday, July 29, 2024, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, announced that the federal government had commenced the distribution of 20 trucks of rice per state. Additionally, the government directed that the price per bag should be set at N40,000, reducing it from the current price of over N70,000.
Reports indicate that 10 additional trucks have been dispatched, making a total of 30 trucks per state. Several states, including Katsina and Bayelsa, have already received the commodity and initiated its distribution. The government aims to flood the market with rice as part of President Bola Tinubu’s initiatives to make food more accessible and affordable to alleviate the suffering of the citizens.
Aside from the rice distribution, the government has also opened the borders and removed import duties on food items to address the hunger crisis in the country.
Afenifere appreciates these efforts by the federal government but recommends that the incoming items should be channeled through market associations, with instructions to sell at controlled prices. This approach necessitates the re-establishment of commodity boards to ensure the availability, distribution, and sale of commodities across the nation.
Fortunately, Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed the government’s plan to establish commodity boards during a climate change and resource mobilization meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. The boards would regulate the soaring prices of food in Nigeria and contribute to farming security, farmland irrigation, and year-round food production.
Ajayi, the spokesperson for Afenifere, suggests that the delay in establishing the boards should be rectified promptly. He emphasizes the importance of appointing board members from local communities to ensure accountability and eliminate suspicions of government imposition.
In light of the government’s actions and statements, Afenifere reiterates its call for the suspension of a nationwide ten-day-long protest. The organization believes that the government has heard and is actively addressing the issues raised by the citizens. Engaging in street demonstrations may no longer be necessary, especially considering the risk of hijacking and resulting chaos.
Afenifere references the Arewa Consultative Forum, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, all of which discourage the planned protest due to its counter-productive consequences and potential for unrest.
Finally, Afenifere urges President Tinubu to utilize the approved Two Trillion Naira package for the Accelerated Stabilization and Advancement Plan, specifically emphasizing transparent utilization in the agricultural sector. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, as of January 2024, the food inflation rate in Nigeria stands at an alarming 33.9%.
Rice remains one of the most consumed staples in Nigeria, with a per capita consumption of 32kg. Nigerians consume rice at a rate four times higher than the global average, while the current rice yield of 2 tonnes per hectare is only half of what is achieved in Asia.
In light of these facts, Afenifere calls on federal, state, and local governments to prioritize and promote mechanized farming methods nationwide.