The executive director of the Transparency Advocacy for Development Initiative, Yomi David, says President Bola Tinubu’s directive to crash food prices reflects the welfarism thrust of his ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.

Mr David, in a statement on Monday, said the intervention was a major step toward ensuring food security in the country.

“Tinubu’s bold and timely directive to crash food prices across Nigeria as part of his administration’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda on food security and national development is highly commendable.

“This commendable intervention comes at a critical time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with the high cost of essential food items, threatening household food access and overall national economic stability,” he said.

Mr David added that the president’s commitment was a strong demonstration of responsive and compassionate leadership.

He noted that agricultural reforms, rural infrastructure, and support for smallholders had remained priority areas under the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.

“However, this latest action, aimed directly at lowering the cost of food, sends a clear signal that the welfare of ordinary Nigerians remains a top priority.

“TADI recognises that food security is not only a matter of availability but also affordability. The President’s directive sets a precedent for proactive governance in addressing pressing socio-economic issues,” he said.

According to him, the move reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to inclusive growth, sustainable development, and the preservation of human capital.

He urged the president to prioritise and fully activate the mandate of the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation, Ilorin, saying it was vital for scaling up production, reducing post-harvest losses, and ensuring long-term sustainability.

“Supporting NCAM to function optimally will not only consolidate the gains of the current intervention but will also strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to become self-reliant in food production,” Mr David added.

He applauded the president’s engagement with stakeholders across the agricultural value chain, including producers, distributors, marketers, and regulators, to ensure effective implementation.

Mr David said the decision to deploy food reserves, remove transportation bottlenecks, and curb market exploitation would help restore balance in the food supply system.

“TADI urges all relevant agencies and state governments to synergise efforts with the federal government to ensure this directive is fully implemented at the grassroots. Nigerians deserve to see and feel the impact of this renewed hope,” he said.

He further called on the private sector, NGOs, and development partners to support the initiative.

“Together, we can ensure that food becomes affordable for every Nigerian family and that our collective journey toward food self-sufficiency is realised,” Mr David said.

(NAN)