Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mustapha Baba-Shehuri has disclosed on Monday that it borrowed over 5,000 metric tonnes of grain from ECOWAS to feed citizens.

The Nigerian Government, in addition to borrowed 5,000 metric tonnes of grains borrowed, received 3,999 tonnes of cereals donation from ECOWAS on Monday.

Shehuri, while receiving the donation said “The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria loaned 5,000MT of assorted grains from ECOWAS Stock which was agreed to be paid back on grain for grain basis.

“Modalities had been put in place to replace the ECOWAS Stock before the advent of COVID-19 Pandemic. That notwithstanding, I can assure you that the stock will be replaced in due course.”

He said to tackle the food crisis in the West African Sub-region, the Heads of Government of ECOWAS member states decided to establish a Regional Food Security Reserve (RFSR) Programme.