Food Crisis: “There Is No Need For Anxiety, Food Security Is Guaranteed — LASG

Lagos State Government has urged residents not to panic following reports of stranded trucks conveying food from the North on the way which has led to the high cost of products in the state.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, gave the assurance while appearing on a radio programme in Lagos on Tuesday.

According to him, “There is no need for anxiety, food security is guaranteed, despite the crisis.”

Omotoso said the government was not ignorant of the food supply situation and assured citizens that it would not be allowed to become a crisis. Asked what the government was doing about the matter, he replied:

“The government is aware of the situation and Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is on top of it.

He has initiated steps to ensure the matter is resolved by the weekend.” “I assure you Governor Sanwo-Olu is on top of the matter. There will be a meeting. He will tell both sides to embrace peace in the interest of all.’’

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He also urged residents to “take it easy” as the state would continue to put facilities in place to ensure self-sufficiency in food production and supply.

AllNews Nigeria recalls that there have been fears that an acute shortage of beef, vegetables, tomatoes and onions, among other essential edibles from the North, may soon hit Southern Nigeria as foodstuff and cattle breeders, under the aegis of Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN) had four days ago threatened to withdraw their services.

Afenifere Reacts To Threats To Stop Supply Of Food From North To South

Afenifere has said Northerners can withdraw their cows from the South but should not forget that the southern states produce petroleum, the country's economic mainstay.

According to the National Publicity Secretary, Yinka Odumakin, there are other sources of protein that the southerners could consume aside from cows.

He said; "They should not forget that petroleum goes from South to the North. So, they should be careful. When you are throwing stones at your neighbours, you should be careful what he throws back at you," he told Daily Independent.

Odumakin said the North could not threaten the South with the withdrawal of cattle and other food produce as there are other places where the items can be purchased.

He listed countries such as Togo, the Benin Republic as friendly countries where the South can purchase cattle and other items withdrawn by the North.

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According to him, the North's withdrawal of foodstuffs will benefit the South as it will make the people do more in agriculture.

"If they withdraw their cows from the South, no problem about that. Before cows, we had what we are eating. Cows are not the only source of protein; there are several other sources. It will encourage our people to do more in the area of agriculture.

"We have neighbours who are peaceful in Benin Republic, Togo and other places that we can buy things from. They can't threaten us with anything such as withdrawal of item."