Some residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commended President Bola Tinubu’s directive to release about 102,000 tonnes of grains to address the soaring cost of food items.

Those who spoke to journalists in Abuja on Sunday appealed to the federal government to ensure the impact was felt on food prices by crashing them down.

Mr Tinubu directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to release about 42,000 metric tonnes of grains, including maize, millet and garri.

The Rice Millers Association of Nigeria had also committed to immediately releasing more than 60,000 metric tonnes of rice to the public.

Williams Omashu, a businessman, commended Mr Tinubu for the timely intervention.

Mr Omashu appealed to the president to ensure citizens felt the impact of the release of grains.

”We do not want the release on paper or announcement. We want it to impact positively on us and our food.

”Let it make the prices of food items come down,” he said.

Roselyn Iliya, another resident and a student, said the constant hike in food prices was a situation that required prompt intervention.

”The situation is getting worse by the day. The government needs to back this directive with action.

”It must not be business as usual because people are hungry and suffering,” she said.

Obinna Idu, a civil servant, expressed hope that the release of the grains would reduce the frustration faced by citizens in trying to feed their families.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the releases were immediate measures taken to reduce the hardships faced by Nigerians.

(NAN)