By Felix Khanoba
The Federal Government says it has resolved several difficulties that were impeding the seamless supply of essential commodities across the country amid the prevailing restriction of movement occasioned by coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, stated this in Abuja on Thursday after receiving briefs from the Manager, Emergency Operation Centre of the Ministry, Engr. Battah Ndirpaya.
A statement made available to newsmen by Ibrahim Haruna, a deputy director in charge of Press,said the minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nasir Sani- Gwarzo, disclosed that 32 reported cases of complaints on challenges facing effective supply of essential commodities have all been resolved.
Adebayo said the feat was achieved by the Committee on Sustainable Production and Delivery of Essential Commodities During COVID-19 Pandemic through the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC).
The minister noted that out of the 32 cases, 26.7 percent involved delivery of food items; 40per percent were issues concerning availability and delivery of other essential items while 33.3per cent of the complaints were manufacturing related cases.
The minister, who commended security agencies for their support, appealed to state governors to direct their Trade and Industry ministries and relevant agencies to collaborate with security agencies as well as Special Task Force on COVID-19 to facilitate easy movement and distribution of food products and other essential commodities as approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.
