Govs blame high food prices on COVID-19 palliatives
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The Jigawa State Governor, Abubakar Badaru, and his Kebbi State counterpart, Atiku Bagudu, on Tuesday said the bulk purchase of food items as palliatives for the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the high cost of food in the country.
The governors spoke alongside their Plateau State counterpart, Simon Lalong, during an interview with State House correspondents after a meeting of the National Food Security Council held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting was presided over by the Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari.
Badaru explained that the Coalition Against Covid-19, the Federal Government, and state governments were all involved in the bulk purchase of food items to distribute as palliatives leading to a hike in prices.
He said the situation was further compounded by the fact that food items naturally become more expensive in May, June, and July.
He said, “I am worried about people talking about expensive food. This is a cycle.
“For all of us that understand the farming cycle, we know that food are expensive in May, June and July.
“Even farmers that keep stock to consume have probably exhausted it and have to go to the market to buy. So, the demand is becoming higher.
“This is also exacerbated because there is bulk buying. CACOVID, states bought a lot to distribute as palliatives; Federal Government is also buying.
PUNCH
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