In a recent address, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, emphasized the critical issue of food insecurity in Nigeria, labeling it a significant national challenge that requires immediate and comprehensive legislative intervention.
The Gravity of Food Insecurity in Nigeria
Nigeria, with its vast arable land and a predominantly agrarian population, paradoxically faces escalating food insecurity. Factors such as climate change, environmental degradation, and ongoing conflicts have severely disrupted agricultural productivity. As a result, approximately 40% of Nigerians live below the international poverty line of $1.90 per day, with an additional 25% vulnerable to food insecurity.
Legislative Initiatives to Combat Hunger and Malnutrition
Addressing members of the National Legislative Network on Nutrition and Food Security, Speaker Abbas underscored the necessity for both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to deploy legislative instruments aimed at tackling hunger and malnutrition across the country. He expressed satisfaction that initiatives from the 10th House are being adopted at state and local government levels, reflecting a unified approach to this pressing issue.
Impact of Insecurity on Agricultural Productivity
The Speaker also highlighted the detrimental effects of insecurity on Nigeria's agricultural sector. Insecurity has led to a decline in agricultural productivity, displacement of farmers, and poor yields. This has made it difficult for Nigeria to achieve its national goal of becoming a hunger-free nation, as displaced farmers can no longer farm, and those who do are often prevented from harvesting their crops.
Call for a Multi-Faceted Approach
Speaker Abbas advocates for a collective and multi-pronged strategy to combat food insecurity, emphasizing the importance of enhancing agricultural production, lowering costs, and building the necessary infrastructure for the agricultural and allied sectors to thrive. He asserts that food security is a fundamental right and that no citizen should go to bed hungry due to issues of availability and affordability.
Conclusion
The urgency of addressing food insecurity in Nigeria cannot be overstated. It requires a concerted effort from all levels of government, the private sector, and civil society to implement effective policies and programs that ensure food availability, accessibility, and affordability for all Nigerians.
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