In a significant move to address the growing concerns over food security in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency on Thursday in Abuja. The president also authorized the inclusion of matters relating to food and water availability and affordability as essential livelihood items within the jurisdiction of the National Security Council.This announcement came after intense consultations with key stakeholders in the agricultural sector at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, revealed the details to State House Correspondents on Thursday evening.As part of the immediate response to mitigate the effects of the subsidy removal, President Tinubu approved the prompt release of fertilizers and grains to both farmers and households. The aim is to ensure that the removal of subsidies does not exacerbate the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.”We will immediately release fertilizers and grains to farmers and households to mitigate the effects of the subsidy removal,” stated Alake. He further emphasized the need for a collaborative approach between the Ministry of Agriculture and the use of water resources to ensure adequate irrigation of farmlands and year-round food availability.Alake underscored President Tinubu’s determination to move away from seasonal farming, highlighting the president’s belief that the country cannot afford farming downtime. Efforts will be made to establish ranches in partnership with willing state governments, with specific sections designated as grazing reserves. In this regard, the federal government will bear the cost of acquiring the necessary land.To increase the availability of arable land for farming and subsequently enhance food output, the Federal Government plans to activate nationwide land banks, which currently encompass 500,000 hectares.Meanwhile, the Central Bank has issued an advisory to middlemen who are withholding grains, urging them to release their supplies. It is expected that prices will stabilize and potentially decrease once the government commences the distribution of grains.Further details regarding these initiatives are expected to be revealed shortly, as the government takes decisive steps to address the pressing issue of food security in the nation.