There are indications that increasing food insecurity and the resultant high cost of living is putting some strains on the smooth
relationship between the National Assembly and the executive arm of the Federal Government. relationship between the National Assembly and the executive arm of the Federal Government. Ahead of the resumption of both chambers of the National Assembly next Tuesday from their five weeks Easter/Sallah holiday, lawmakers are under pressure to sanction relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies over failures to checkmate the worsening food insecurity across the country.
“The people we represent in the National Assembly are becoming too impatient with us because of the increasing cost of living. Calls for patience and understanding no longer make sense to them. I think we need to devise more proactive steps to address these issues in a manner that will make them see reason or risk being chased out of the National Assembly,” a lawmaker stated.
Ndume said it was worrisome that many hungry and angry Nigerians have been expressing their frustration and anger over the recent increase in food prices by demonstrating on the streets in several cities across the country. “Thus, food security is an end in itself but right to food is the means to reach that end. Hence, as contained in the title of the bill, the purpose is to make provision for right to food and food security, both together in Chapter 2 and Chapter 4 .
The group believes that if the bill is passed, “the Government of Nigeria will develop a better sense of policy responsibility and accountability in recognition of the words ‘right to food’, while the millions of people who are hungry in Nigeria will feel a deep sense of gratification thereby.” President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria , Kabir Ibrahim, in an interview, expressed disgust at the rate farmers abandon their farms because of worsening security situation across the country.
“A lot of things are happening; even embracing biotechnology and genetically modified foods to scale our productivity because of our growing population. Thirty years from today, Nigeria will have 400 million people. If today with 270 million people we are grappling with food security, what will happen in 30 years?” he queried.
“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,” he noted.
Assurances by the Agriculture minister, Senator Abubakar Kyari, about plans being put in place to expand food production by utilising the vast land available don’t seem to impress the lawmakers.
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