President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday reiterated his earlier directive to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) not to grant foreign exchange for food importation.

He also promised that his administration would from early next year keep an eye on the rising cost of foodstuff in the country.

The President, who had last September said ”nobody importing food should be given money,” also stated that diversification from oil to agriculture saved Nigeria from the harsh economic realities of COVID-19.

He spoke during his fifth meeting with the Presidential Economic Advisory Council at the State House, Abuja yesterday.

Buhari, according to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said since seven states produce enough rice that the nation needs, it made no sense to import food.

“The CBN must not give money to import food. Already, about seven states are producing all the rice we need. We must eat what we produce,” he stated. The President had in September explained that Nigeria which hitherto had only three fertilizer blending plants now has 33.
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