“Nigerians, Prepare To STARVE In January” – Presidency Warn

Malam Garba Shehu, the senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, has notified the general public about possible famine in the country during his radio interview in Kano on Monday, November 14.

Export and hunger

According to Mr Shehu, Nigeria would highly likely face a shortage of grains by January 2017 due to a huge demand in the global market.

He said: “A huge demand for our grains in the global market is creating an excellent environment for the mindless export of Nigerian grains across our borders and unless this is curtailed, Nigerian markets will be bereft of food by January next year.

Over the past year, providence has blessed Nigeria with a bountiful harvest of grains, more than enough to feed the country and to export to other countries.

At present, there is a high demand for grains from Nigeria, from African countries as distant as Libya and Algeria, and from places as far away as Brazil.

However, the ministry of agriculture has raised concerns about a massive rate of exportation, which could lead to a shortage of grains in Nigeria by January. President Muhammadu Buhari is not in any way opposed to or intent on tampering with that.

On the other hand, exporters also have a moral obligation to make their produce available to Nigerians who live within our country’s borders, to ensure that our citizens have access to food.”

Up to 500 trucks laden with grains leave Nigerian markets every week, according to estimates of the ministry of agriculture.

“The major markets involved in this exportation are: the Dawanau market in Kano, Naigatari in Jigawa, Bama in Borno, and Ilela in Sokoto, as well as three other main markets in Kebbi state.”

Nigeria’s self-sufficiency

President Buhari repeatedly stressed his intentions to make Nigeria a food-producing giant, self-sufficient and independent of the imported goods and foodstuff

Mr Garba added: “This noble plan could easily be defeated by the pull of the foreign market if food continues to leave our shores to feed people elsewhere. If care is not taken, Nigeria could face a famine by January.

Building our country into the edifice we envision it to be will require sacrifice and strategy from every single Nigerian. Let us remember that charity begins at home.”

President Buhari has already asked the ministry of agriculture to present a plan for the purchase of surplus grains to store in warehouses across the country.