Nigerians decry Tinubu’s no food import decision as hunger mounts

Nigerians have reacted with dismay to President Bola Tinubu’s announcement on Thursday, ruling out food imports despite soaring food inflation and widespread hunger.

The decision comes as the nation grapples with multiple economic threats: food inflation exceeding 35% in January, devaluation of the naira and fuel subsidy removal that have worsened headline inflation and eroded incomes, and insecurity that has displaced many farmers, crippling agricultural production.

With the country facing an apparent food shortage, calls have grown for the government to consider importation even as a temporary measure. On Thursday, Vice President Kashim Shettima announced said the government would set up a national commodity board to regulate and “stabilize” food prices.

But after a meeting with all 36 state governors in Abuja on Thursday, which held following protests in some states, Mr Tinubu said he was not considering food imports and would not appoint a price control board.

“My administration is dedicated to evolving home-grown solutions to tackle our nation’s food security challenges head-on including setting up schemes to bolster local food production and cut out all forms of rent-seeking tied to food importation,” the president said in a statement.

“I will not establish a price control board, nor will I approve the importation of food. We must extricate ourselves from this predicament because importation only enables rent seekers to perpetrate fraud and mismanagement at our collective expense.”

“Not funny”

Many Nigerians, already struggling to put food on the table, see the import ban as insensitive.

“We have to open up to food imports. Maybe in the short term,” said a user on X, Retji Dakon. “Companies depending on agro inputs are bleeding with high cost. This cost is transferred to consumers, unfortunately the consumers have low purchasing power.”

Another user, Theo Abu said, “Nigerians are suffering President Bola. It’s not funny. Open our borders now.”

Critics argue the ban has failed to prioritize the immediate needs of the people. “Net imports are bad for GDP growth and wealth creation, No argument. But if your farmers can’t farm and you have no fertilizer and food inflation is 33%, what should you do? Ignore the reality?” asked Kalu Aja, a financial advisor and economic analyst.

Experts said the government must consider imports to safeguard the well-being of the people.

“Government’s position on food importation in the face of food insecurity, high cost of food and hunger in Nigeria is very concerning,” said Anietie Umoren, senior research fellow at the Abuja-based non-profit, No Hunger Food Bank.

“This shows a high level of insensitivity to the well-being of Nigerians. Food security is such a basic need, and it’s hard to see how this refusal by the president could be beneficial.”

Supporting farmers with schemes

President Tinubu, defending his stance, emphasized the need for self-sufficiency and boosting local agriculture. He said the government will support farmers to cultivate more food, a process that may offer no immediate relief to longsuffering citizens.

“Instead, we will support our farmers with schemes that encourage them to cultivate more food for the nation,” he said. “We must also rapidly but thoughtfully implement our livestock development and management plans, including dairy farming and others.”

However, many remain skeptical, questioning the feasibility and timeframe of such solutions amidst urgent hunger needs.