VP Osinbajo meets task force on food security

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday met behind closed doors with members of the Presidential Task Force on the rising cost of food items in Nigeria.


The meeting, which took place at the Aguda House, his official residence, was attended by all members of the task force.

The Federal Executive Council had, on Wednesday, approved the setting up of the task force as part of efforts to enhance affordable food prices across country.

The task force is mandated to consider measures that would ensure a steady flow of produce to the market and reverse recent price increases.

It also has the responsibility of exploring options to promote availability and affordability of food items to Nigerians.

The task force is expected to submit interim reports on February 8.

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Audu Ogbeh; Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun and Industry, Trade and Development Minister Okey Enelamah, are members of the task force.

Other members of the team are Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi; Water Resources Minister Suleiman Adamu, and Labour & Employment Minister Chris Ngige.

Nigeria’s consumer prices rose by 1.1 per cent in December 2016 above November’s 0.8 per cent increase.

The inflation figure for the period was 18.6 per cent and was the highest since October 2005.

The National Bureau of Statistics, which issued the data, said the inflation was fuelled by higher prices in housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels.