NEC worries about importation of poisoned foods

The National Economic Council (NEC), yesterday, urged the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other federal agencies responsible for quality control to prevent importation of poisoned foods into the country.

The NEC, presided by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has the thirty-six state governors, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Minister of Budget and National Planning, and Minister of Finance as members.

Addressing reporters at the end of the meeting held at the Presidential Villa, the governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, joined by Adams Oshiomhole of Edo and his Adamawa State counterpart, Bindo Jubrila, said the need to boost food production and agricultural development featured prominently in discussions.

He said the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbe, briefed the council on Federal Government’s action plan for food production.

“We were concerned about foods imported into this country and have cautioned seriously that SON, NAFDAC and other agencies that deal with quality do their best, so that rubbish is not sent into this country,” Okorocha said.

He added: “We realised that some of the frozen chicken and fish imports into this country are being preserved with very dangerous chemicals. We are of the opinion that this should be looked into.”

Meanwhile, in support of government’s effort to deepen the nation’s revenue profile, the NEC endorsed plan to increase the contribution of the solid minerals sector to the treasury.

Following a presentation to the council by the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Kayode Fayemi, the governors approved the appointment of professional revenue consultants to achieve the objective.

The NEC also supported a presentation from the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, on the ministry’s strategy to generate incremental power, as a short-term measure towards addressing energy shortage in the country.