According to Punch Newspapers, the Nigerian Presidency has established the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit (PFSCU) to address the nation’s food security crisis In a swift response to mounting public discontent and planned protests. The unit, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, aims to find sustainable solutions to the rising cost of food items and the overall food security challenges plaguing the country.
The formation of the PFSCU comes amidst growing unrest and plans for mass protests over the soaring prices of essential food commodities, which have pushed inflation to a staggering 33.69 percent. The decision to create this unit was influenced by the urgent need to mitigate the crisis and reassure citizens of the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns.
Vice President Shettima, during the inauguration at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, highlighted the gravity of the situation. “The nation is facing a rare food security crisis, and the sooner we come to terms with the reality, the better,” he stated. Emphasizing the necessity of collective effort, Shettima noted, “Food insecurity endangers the very basis of our democratic experiment. This is why all hands have to be on deck.”The PFSCU will include state governors, representatives of local governments, development partners, and other key stakeholders. This diverse composition is intended to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to tackling the food security issues from multiple angles.
President Bola Tinubu, who had declared an emergency on food security nearly a year ago, reiterated the need for synergy between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Water Resources to facilitate year-round food production through adequate irrigation. He also underscored the importance of engaging security forces to protect farmlands and ensure farmers can work without fear of attacks.The initiative has been well-received by several state governors, who described it as timely and necessary. As Nigeria grapples with the multifaceted challenges of food security, the establishment of the PFSCU represents a critical step towards achieving stability and averting the looming crisis
