By Gabriel Ameh
He also urged traders to avoid hoarding food items or engaging in practices that create artificial scarcity and drive up prices.
The minister maintained that while the government could establish policies and provide support to ease economic hardship, Nigerians also had a role to play in ensuring food remained accessible and affordable.
Addressing local government financial autonomy, he said consultations with relevant stakeholders were ongoing to resolve practical challenges and ensure effective implementation.
Why FG Says It Is Building RoadsIdris also defended ongoing federal road projects, arguing that the infrastructure investments were intended to improve connectivity, facilitate trade and support agricultural activities rather than serve electoral interests.
He said the projects would help connect cities, open up economic corridors and create opportunities for businesses to grow.
He maintained that press freedom must be accompanied by responsibility, arguing that journalists have a duty to ensure their reporting is accurate and credible.
Minister Promises Regular Media Engagements
The minister commended participating media organisations for their contributions and expressed willingness to sustain the interactive sessions, potentially every two weeks.
He said regular engagements would provide opportunities for the government to explain its policies, address public concerns and strengthen communication with the media.
The session covered several issues affecting Nigerians, including petrol prices, poverty, food affordability, infrastructure, labour relations, local government autonomy and national security.
Source: Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (FMINO).
