How Nigeria lost out in 'Operation Feed The Nation', Obasanjo speaks out

by
  • Former president Olusegun Obasanjo has explained how a decision by the late Shehu Shagari is allegedly one of the reasons for Nigerias failure in food sufficiency
  • During a think tank event attended by TheTalk.NG, Obasanjo noted after he left a policy of rice production, his successor came in and cancelled it
  • A veteran farmer, Obasanjo launched the Operation Feed the Nation whilst the military head of state and has been a prominent advocate for agribusiness in Nigeria and across Africa

Olusegun Obasanjo explained how Late Shehu Shagari’s government allegedly drew Nigeria back through rice importation.
Photo credit: Riccardo SaviSource: Getty ImagesWhen our successor came in, NPN-led government, President Shehu Shagari, they put pressure and they felt they needed money. Then, the government lifted the ban on importation, and we havent gotten out of it (food insecurity) till today. That was how we lost out from Operation Feed The Nation.Former President Obasanjo speaking at Fadahunsi memorial lectureSource: OriginalLook, those people who tell us you shouldnt subsidise agriculture’, they are subsidising.A former prime minister of the UK who is into rearing of sheep, he said he was getting two and a half dollars in a year to keep the sheep as subsidy. And they say we shouldnt subsidies agriculture. And yet, agriculture is seen by them as a security issue.”Anybody who feeds you can enslave you. They know that.If they (the West) import rice from Thailand, it would cost them one-third of what it will cost them to produce it. But they would rather produce rice at three times more in their own country than import rice from Thailand because it is ‘a security issue’.Food insecurity: Engineers seek solutionsRead more on Nigeria’s food security challenges

  • Food security: Scientist reveals solution to achieving zero hunger in Nigeria
  • Journalist recommends solutions to Nigeria’s food security problem
  • Food security: Tinubus aide reveals FGs plan to combat hunger in Nigeria

Hardship: Why Nigeria remains backward – Obasanjo

READ IN FULL ON LEGIT.NG


Tinubu’s minister orders immediate reopening of Lagos bridge to ease traffic
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has ordered the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge in Lagos to ease severe traffic congestion Federal Controller of Works, Olukorede Kesha, confirmed that remedial measures are being implemented to restore vehicular movement The bridge was initially set for closure until May 2025 for repairs, but worsening gridlock prompted ... Read more Continue reading here ▶


One major reasons Tinubu fired Kyari, NNPCL board emerges
President Bola Tinubu dismissed Mele Kyari and other NNPCL board members due to concerns over their performance Tinubu has set ambitious targets for the new leadership, including increasing daily crude oil production to three million barrels by 2030 and boosting gas output to 10 billion cubic meters The reconstituted NNPCL board includes industry experts, with ... Read more Continue reading here ▶


Farmer slumps on hearing false alarm, eventually dies, family makes request
A 54-year-old farmer, Jeremiah Onuminya, tragically collapsed and died in Usha, Agatu Local Government Area, following a false alarm about an impending attack Local authorities confirmed that exhaustion while fleeing was the cause of his death, urging residents to verify information to prevent panic The incident coincided with allegations of cattle poisoning in the area, ... Read more Continue reading here ▶


Pregnant woman dies as hospital allegedly refuses treatment over N500k deposit
A pregnant woman, identified as Kemi, tragically lost her life after a private hospital allegedly refused her treatment due to her husband’s inability to deposit N500,000 for treatment Her husband, Akinbobola Folajimi, shared a heartbreaking video on social media capturing her final moments and detailing their ordeal As usual, Nigerians on social media reacted differently ... Read more Continue reading here ▶


Food security: 5 FG's policies "yielding positive results" as Tinubu, Kyari get…
The Good Governance Advocates of Nigeria (GGAN) has spoken on FG’s agricultural policies, hailing President Tinubu and agriculture minister Abubakar Kyari The group highlighted global collaborations and domestic initiatives, including fertilizer distribution and food aid, as crucial steps toward agricultural growth and food security GGAN also noted a significant drop in food pricesup to 70% ... Read more Continue reading here ▶


Leave a Comment