Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says the Federal Government is aware of the rising cost of staple foods in the markets.

He disclosed this during the 2024 conference and annual general meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Niger State chapter, in Minna on Tuesday.

The theme of the conference was “Public Relations in a Challenging Environment: The role of Stakeholders and Communication in a New Niger Agenda.

Idris, who was represented by Malam Jibrin Ndace, Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), said practical steps were being taken to ameliorate the situation.

He said the President had directed the NSA, DSS, and IGP to coordinate with state governors to check the activities of those hoarding food commodities to ensure price control.

“On behalf of the Federal Government, I applaud the effort of Niger State Gov. Umaru Bago, for his timely decision to halt bulk buying of food items for hoarding.

“This no doubt helped in the recent reduction of the cost of food items in the state,” he said.

He said the president, in the last seven months, had been on track to fix the economy, fight insecurity, attract foreign direct investment, and consolidate Nigeria’s foreign policy ethos on the world stage.

The minister said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu was and still remains resolute that Nigeria would not fall as a true giant of Africa.

Dr Babangida Aliyu, former Governor of Niger, expressed optimism that NIPR was being revived and expressed confidence that the chapter would become a trailblazer. (NAN)