Lagos State Government has urged residents not to engage in panic-buying, following the rising cost of food items occasioned by the recent boycotting of food importation to the State by Northern farmers.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, gave the assurance while appearing on a radio programme in Lagos on Tuesday.
According to him, “There is no need for anxiety, food security is guaranteed, despite the crisis.”
Omotoso said the government was not ignorant of the food supply situation and assured citizens that it would not be allowed to become a crisis.
Asked what the government was doing about the matter, he replied: “The government is aware of the situation and Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is on top of it. He has initiated steps to ensure the matter is resolved by the weekend.”
“I assure you Governor Sanwo-Olu is on top of the matter. There will be a meeting. He will tell both sides to embrace peace in the interest of all.’’
He also urged residents to “take it easy” as the state would continue to put facilities in place to ensure self-sufficiency in food production and supply.
The crisis emanated from the clash of traders in Ibadan. Food and cattle merchants from the North have withheld supplies, an action that has sparked rising prices.
