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Food Insecurity: Reps Allege No Grains In Public Silos Accros Nigeria

Published

3 years ago

February 20, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

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…say President Tinubu is been misguided, misinformed

By Gloria Ikibah

Former Speaker of Gombe State Assembly and member representing Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency of Gombe state in the House of Representatives, Rep. Inuwa Garba has alleged that there are no grains in the silos owned by the Federal Government in Nigeria.

Rep. Garba, who sponsored a motion on the “Need to investigate the privatisation/concession of Federal Government Silos in Nigeria,” on Tuesday at plenary, said President Bola Tinubu may have been misinformed or misguided on his directives to distribute grains to Nigeria who are in no doubt suffering from the current economic hardship.

Naijablitznews.com reports that as a temporary response to the nation’s growing food crisis and the rising price of commodities, President Bola Tinubu, recently ordered the immediate release of more than 102,000 metric tons of various grain types from the Strategic Reserve and the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed this to State House Correspondents after the final leg of three meetings of the Special Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

Rep Garba addressing the media said there was the need to investigate the concession of 22 Silos in Nigeria, if possible reverse the concession and make refunds to the new operators of the consmcessioned silos.

According to the lawmaker, in a country of more than 200m people where petroleum subsidy has been removed, there must be subsidy for agriculture to help cushion the effects of food insecurity currently faced by the nation.

“That is why I said it is very timely to investigate why government, how government, took decision to privatize the silos or services that is meant for the government.

“I feel it is very wrong to privatize the silos or services that is meant for the government to have food security by having food storage in order to support and alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians over a period of time, where there is not only scarcity of food but very high cost of food and scarcity of funds.

“Members of the press, that is why I raised on the floor of the House, to investigate this action of governmentin.

“That is why I said the Federal Government should as a matter of urgency or as a matter of priority, consider subsidizing agriculture to revitalize its economy and ensure food security in Nigeria”, Rep Inuwas stated.

Debating the motion on the floor of the House at plenary, Rep. Garba, noted that in September, 2017, the Federal Government commenced the process of concessioning 22 out of it 33 silo complexes across the country to the private sector to ensure availability of affordable grains across the country;

The motion reads: “Cognizant of the need to scrutinize circumstances surrounding the privatization or concession of Government Silos for Grains Storage in the country considering the vital role these silos play in ensuring food security across the country;

“Also cognizant of the need to investigate the entire process of privatization or concession, including the criteria used for the selection of private entities, transparency in the bidding process to ensure accountability in public administration, and upholding the principles of fairness and equity”.

The House unanimously adopted the motion and urged the Federal Government to, as a matter of priority, consider subsidizing agriculture to revitalize the economy and improve food security in Nigeria.

The House also mandated the Committees on Agricultural Production and Services, Privatization and Commercialization, Public Assets, to investigate the privatization/concession of 22 out of 33 Government Silos for grain storage and other critical national assets in Nigeria and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

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Suspected Fulani Militias K!ll Christian Leader In Plateau

Published

8 minutes ago

September 16, 2026

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A Christian leader, identified as Markus Musa, has been k!lled by suspected Fulani bandits in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, amid continuing reprisal attacks in parts of the area.

According to security analyst, Zagazola Makana, Musa was reportedly on his way to attend a meeting of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) when he was ambushed at about 1:30 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026, between Rimi and Kaduno communities.

The victim was travelling on a motorcycle with his younger brother, Arum Musa, when suspected Fulani bandits attacked them.

The attackers reportedly shot Musa in the head, k!lling him, while his younger brother escaped unharmed.

The k!lling comes amid renewed tensions and reprisal attacks in Mangu, following a series of violent incidents involving farming and herding communities.

Troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, Operation ENDURING PEACE, responded to the incident and commenced fighting patrols and a manhunt for the assailants.

Security forces have continued to dominate the affected areas as efforts intensify to prevent further escalation and track down those responsible for the k!lling.

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Nigeria-India Deepen Ties as Trade, Consular Issues Dominate BRICS Talks

Published

5 hours ago

September 15, 2026

Gloria Ikibah

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By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria and India have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, with trade, consular matters, education and cultural cooperation taking centre stage during talks between their foreign ministers in New Delhi.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, held bilateral discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit hosted by India.

The summit is being held under the theme, “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

In a statement issued on Sunday, the minister’s Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Dr Magnus Eze, said the welfare of Nigerians living in India was among the major issues discussed by the two ministers.

A key concern was the situation of Nigerians who have overstayed their visas. Odumegwu-Ojukwu appealed to the Indian authorities for an extension of the existing amnesty arrangement to allow affected Nigerians to return home voluntarily without facing penalties.

The ministers also discussed the possibility of concluding a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.

The proposed agreement would establish a framework for the humane and orderly transfer of eligible prisoners between Nigeria and India.

On economic relations, the two sides examined opportunities for increasing trade and investment, while stressing the importance of building stronger and mutually beneficial economic partnerships.

Education and cultural exchanges also featured in the discussions, with both countries recognising the sectors as important tools for strengthening people-to-people relations.

Greater cooperation in these areas, the statement said, is expected to promote mutual understanding while creating more opportunities for citizens of Nigeria and India.

The meeting formed part of Nigeria’s efforts to use its participation in the BRICS platform to strengthen bilateral partnerships, attract greater economic opportunities and advance South-South cooperation.

Nigeria’s engagement with India comes as both countries seek to broaden their areas of cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic relations, particularly in trade, investment, education and people-to-people exchanges.

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Nigeria Eyes India’s Tech Edge, Youth Power at BRICS Summit

Published

5 hours ago

September 15, 2026

Gloria Ikibah

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By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria is seeking to tap into India’s experience in technology and youth engagement as Vice-President Kashim Shettima leads the country’s delegation to the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

Vice President Shettima is representing President Bola Tinubu at the summit, where Nigeria is expected to pursue opportunities in trade, investment, agriculture, technology, manufacturing and industrial development.

The high-level Nigerian delegation includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; and Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal.

Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025 and has since used the platform to strengthen South-South cooperation and expand economic and diplomatic relations with major emerging economies.

A major focus of Nigeria’s engagement at the summit will be India’s progress in technology, artificial intelligence and the digital economy, particularly its approach to harnessing its large youthful population.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said India’s experience offered important lessons for Nigeria, especially in agriculture, the digital economy, artificial intelligence and the participation of women in the technology sector.

She said Nigeria was determined to learn from India’s expertise and its “greatest strength” in engaging young people to promote innovation, economic growth and inclusive development.

The minister stressed that India’s ability to deploy technology while creating opportunities for its youthful population could provide useful ideas for Nigeria as it seeks to expand its digital economy and create more opportunities for its young people.

Beyond technology and youth development, Nigeria is expected to use its participation in the BRICS Summit to strengthen economic ties with India and other emerging economies.

The country will also seek to attract investment and expand cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing and industrial development as it explores ways of turning its BRICS partnership into tangible economic opportunities.

Nigeria’s participation underscores the Federal Government’s broader push to deepen engagement with emerging economies and strengthen partnerships capable of supporting technology-driven growth and sustainable development.