FG Responds to Obi: Accepting Grains from Ukraine Not a Sign of Failure

• Minister Idris refutes claims of weakness, asserting Ukraine’s grain donation doesn’t undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty, citing Egypt’s reliance on imports
• Idris highlights President Tinubu’s efforts to address challenges, emphasizing the importance of fuel subsidy removal for economic reform and national progress

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has refuted claims that Nigeria’s acceptance of grains from war-torn Ukraine reflects weakness or failure as a state.

Responding to statements made by Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), regarding Ukraine’s grain donation to Nigeria, Alhaji Idris stressed during the Leadership Annual Conference and Award 2023 in Abuja that such assistance does not undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty or status.

For instance, Idris pointed out that Egypt relies heavily on grains imported from Ukraine, yet it is not deemed a failed state. He emphasized that facing challenges does not equate to failure, and accepting international aid is common among nations.

He asserted, “It is a normal thing because countries exist to depend on one another.”

The minister acknowledged Nigeria’s current challenges but reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing them. He highlighted Tinubu’s efforts to steer the country in the right direction, including measures to tackle fuel subsidy removal and stabilize foreign exchange.

“The fact that we are having challenges now does not make Nigeria a failed state.

“Therefore, accepting grains from Ukraine does not make Nigeria or Egypt failed countries.

“It is a normal thing because countries exist to depend on one another.”

The event was organised by the Leadership Group, publishers of Leadership Newspapers.

Idris said: “It is true that Nigeria is facing some challenges, and President Bola Tinubu is aware of this and has been trying to address it.

“Nigerians voted for Tinubu with the deeper understanding and conviction that he can turn things around for the better, and that is what he is doing.

“Some of the decisions he has taken were to ensure that Nigeria finds its place in the comity of nations.

“The decisions include the removal of fuel subsidy and addressing the issue of foreign exchange and many others.

“Despite the current challenges, the economic growth of Nigeria is on track and has continued to improve,’’ the minister said.