Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has commended President Bola Tinubu for declaring a national emergency on food security.
This move, Ndume believes, will help stabilize food prices and alleviate economic hardship for millions of Nigerians. “Giving the needed impetus to food production would go a long way in bringing down the prices of farm produce in the market,” he said.
Ndume’s praise marks a notable shift from his previous criticisms of the Tinubu administration. In 2024, he was removed as the Senate’s chief whip due to his vocal dissent. Last week, he even accused the president of nepotism. Despite this, Ndume has consistently advocated for increased government attention to agriculture, even sponsoring a motion for a food stamp program to cushion food shortages.
The senator also lauded Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for declaring a state of emergency on food security and providing support to farmers, including tractors, irrigation equipment, and subsidized fertilizers. “Governor Zulum has shown leadership by supplying thousands of tractors, irrigation equipment and fertilizer to farmers at subsidized rates. Other state governors should emulate this proactive approach,” Ndume said.
Beyond food security, Ndume proposed establishing a Department of Government Efficiency under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. This department would ensure ministries, departments, and agencies comply with budget implementations and promote positive government policies. “Such a department will ensure that ministries, departments and agencies comply with budget implementations to the letter and promote positive government policies,” he noted.
Ndume further urged President Tinubu to extend the emergency declarations to other critical areas, such as the economy and national security. He emphasized the need to reduce inflation, stabilize the Naira against the dollar, and explore alternative trade currencies, like the Chinese Yuan, to minimize reliance on the US dollar.
