The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has identified smuggling as one of the factors affecting food availability in Nigeria.
The minister stated this on Tuesday while addressing members of the House of Representatives at the resumption of the policy debate series at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
Also in the hallowed chamber of the House are the Minister of State (Agriculture and Food Security), Sabi Abdullahi, and Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, among top government officials.
“We have seen smuggling of foodstuff to other neighbouring countries. This has affected the availability of food items in the country,” the minister said.
Recall that the Abbas Tajudeen-led 10th House in November 2023 unveiled the Sectoral Debate series, an initiative aimed at improving the constitutional oversight of the executive arm of government.