The President, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari [retd], has said the country does not have money to import food and has encouraged farmers to grow what Nigerians need.

Buhari made the comments on Sunday after performing Eid prayers with his family members at his official residence in the Presidential Villa.

Buhari, who challenged Nigerian farmers on the need to embark on massive productive agricultural activities this farming season, said:

“I hope the raining season would be bountiful so that we get a lot of food.

“I wish the farmers will go to farms and save our lives so that we can produce what we need in sufficient quantity so that we don’t have to import food.

“In any case, we don’t have any money to import food. So we must produce what we are going to eat.”

On the COVID-19 pandemic, the President reiterated his advice to Nigerians to strictly adhere to guidelines and measures put in place against the spread of the deadly virus in the country.

He noted that the pandemic had reduced both developed and developing nations to the same level, and advised Nigerians to always be careful so as to avoid infections.

He said:

“Nigerians can see that the COVID-19 has reduced us, both the developing and developed countries, to the same level. In fact, we have the least casualties than they have.

“So, it’s a very frightening development and I advise Nigerians to be very careful and take the advice of the Ministry of Health. Minister of Health has been doing very well, speaking and educating the citizens on the deadly virus.

“So Nigeria, we should be very careful.”