The House of Representatives has moved to end food scarcity in Nigeria.
This followed the adoption of a motion on Urgent Public Importance on “FOOD SCARCITY IN NIGERIA, NUTRITIONAL DANGERS, AND URGENT NEED FOR MORE GOVERNMENT REMEDIAL MEASURES TO ADDRESS FOODlthe SHORTAGES AHEAD OF THE RAINY/FARMING SEASON,“ moved by Hon. Chike John Okafor
The House urged the Federal Government to improve on short-term food subsidies, assistance to farmers, especially those engaged in dry-season farming, improved supply chain control to reduce wastage, and short-term price control.
It also called for a National Food Security and Nutrition Summit to be urgently convened by the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security in conjunction with other relevant committees to address the current shortage of food and nutrition dangers and find a lasting solution to the food crises facing the country.
The House also mandated all relevant government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), civil society organisations, and private sector partners to actively participate in the summit and contribute towards the formulation of comprehensive solutions to ensure more legislative input for food security and nutrition for all Nigerians.
While leading the debate on the motion, Hon. Okafor noted the spreading issue of food scarcity in Nigeria and the impending nutritional dangers that accompany it.
“As we approach the farming season, it is imperative that we take immediate action to avert a worsening crisis and ensure the availability of food and the well-being of our citizens. We are aware that the current state of food scarcity in Nigeria poses a grave threat to the health and livelihoods of millions of our people. Insufficient access to nutritious food not only leads to hunger and malnutrition but also exacerbates existing health conditions and undermines the overall development of our nation.
“Also, aware of the various positive interventions by Mr President, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), and the commitment of Mr. Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, in the 10th National Assembly Legislative Agenda for the wellness and wellbeing of Nigerians, it is worthy to note that the rainy and farming season is fast approaching, and the looming spectre of food shortages looms large. Without adequate remedial measures in place, we risk plunging our country into deeper turmoil with far-reaching social, economic, and political implications, hence the need for a purposeful gathering and more government import waivers for farming and agricultural equipment in Nigeria.
“We are worried that nutrition and food are the most important existential challenges in Nigeria today because 24.9 million Nigerians are presently in an acute/critical stage of hunger, and this is considered an emergency, while 85.8 million Nigerians have insufficient food consumption, and out of this number, 47.7 million Nigerians have a crisis or are above the crisis level in terms of food-based survival margin.
“I am also worried that peaceful protests are taking place now in some states with citizens groaning due to hunger and demanding immediate government intervention.
“We recognise that the government needs to increase resources to support smallholder farmers and agrarian communities, ensuring they have the necessary inputs, tools, and infrastructure to enhance food production through short-term subsidies as the government continues to strengthen the existing food distribution networks and mechanisms to ensure equitable access to essential food items across all regions of the country,” the motion said.
Members joined in debating the motion and amended some of the prayers.
Hon. Awaji Abiante advised the government to tackle insecurity in the country by allowing farmers to go to their farms.
Also speaking on the motion, the Deputy Speaker called on governors to compliment the federal government for investing in agriculture to boost food production.
Ruling on the motion, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, referred the motion to the Committee on Nutrition and Food Security and other relevant committees to ensure compliance and report back to the House within three legislative weeks.
