TUC Urges FG to Maintain Food Imports Amid Insecurity

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has advised the Federal Government of Nigeria not to halt food importation, citing concerns that such a move would lead to increased prices for staples like rice, making them unaffordable. TUC President-General Comrade Festus Osifo made these remarks during a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, emphasizing that food importation should persist until security issues are addressed, allowing farmers to access their lands.

Osifo highlighted the TUC's support for state police and the privatization model for refineries. He reiterated a previous 15-point demand submitted to the government in early 2024, which included measures to enhance food security.

Osifo also called on the Central Bank of Nigeria to consider revaluing the naira to between N900 and N1000 to a dollar, arguing that the current exchange rate of N1,380/$ is exacerbating inflation and not reflecting in workers' wages. He stressed that food importation should cease only when local farmers can meet supply demands.