Akwa Ibom State Government has announced the establishment of a Bulk Purchase Agency in a bid to combat rising food costs.
Governor Umo Eno revealed the initiative during the 2024 Nigeria Unity Conference held at Ibom Hall, Uyo.
“By the grace of God,” Governor Eno said, “I am sending a bill to the House of Assembly to establish the Akwa Ibom Bulk Purchase Agency. We need to intervene due to the high prices of staple foods.”
The agency, according to Eno, will partner with market associations to monitor food prices and incentivise local production. “The agency will bulk-purchase staple foods and collaborate with select market representatives to ensure their availability at controlled prices,” he explained. “We’ll also encourage local producers to boost their output, making food more affordable for our people.”
Governor Eno further announced the imminent commencement of construction on key roads across the state’s three senatorial districts. The projects, slated to begin within the next two weeks, aim to improve transportation infrastructure and facilitate market access for agricultural produce.
