Forex ban on food importation is the right thing done at the wrong time — Sani

Senator Shehu Sani

President Muhammadu Buhari has yesterday Tuesday 13th of August, issued a directive to the nation's apex Bank to stop issuance of Forex for the importation of food products into the country.

While opinions as expected remains divided on whether or not the directive is a wise move by the presidency, Senator Shehu Sani sides with the president, but says the other issues affecting agriculture in the country must be addressed to avoid food shortages, a situation the president obviously would want to avoid.

The President directive to the CBN to stop issuance of Forex for food importation is the right step https://t.co/zqGWuboHSm will boost food production at https://t.co/7AXfNzXELo is to hand over Agric financing to the Bank of Agriculture & not CBN & protect farmers from Kidnappers

— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) August 14, 2019

He said, "The President directive to the CBN to stop issuance of Forex for food importation is the right step forward. It will boost food production at home. Next is to hand over Agric financing to the Bank of Agriculture and not CBN & protect farmers from Kidnappers."




The growing insecurity in the country is something the Buhari administration has struggled to address since it came to power in 2015. It can be argued that the president focuses on addressing this particular issue and ensuring farmers are safe from the activities of armed herdsmen and kidnappers.


Failure to address these issues will subject Nigerians to more hardship to food scarcity and spike in food prices. In other words, more hunger in the country.