FG applaud measures by Lagos towards stemming rising cost of foods, says it is tackling high cost of drugs
The Federal Government has applauded measures put in place by the Lagos State Government towards stemming the rising cost of food items in the state.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris gave this commendation in Lagos during a session with the Media Executives.
He said that the Lagos Market Food Fair where residents purchase food stuffs at a subsidised prices and the planned arrangements of Sunday markets was commendable.
The Minister however said that it was sad to see a viral video where the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya was kicking against those buying food items more than expected to resell.
He said other states should emulates sub nationals who are striving hard to bring down the cost of food itmes for the overall good of the citizens.
The Minister also attributed the escalating prices of food itmes to those creating artificial scarcity in order to attract higher fees.
He said the President is also worried over the high cost of drugs adding a recent investment in the Pharmaceutical sector will soon bring down the cost in the country.
According to him, deliberate effrots are geared towards addressing about 2bn dollars spent on Medical Tourism which is part of the reasons for capital flight in the country.
The Minister said the Media should not focus more on negativity but report the good side of government as part of the responsibility they owe the country.
He insists that some of the negative reports could drive away foreign investment.
Speaking on the five pillars under his watch in the Ministry, Mohammed Idris promised to restore the peoples trust and confidence in public communication.
He explained that another task before the Ministry is the reorientation of national values he said was vital to socio-economic development of the country.
The Minister told the Media Executives that there exists a Social contract between them in ensuring that government policies and programmmes are well represented and reported.
He reassured them that President Bola Tinubu will gurantee press freedom that he said comes with enormous responsibility.
