The member Representing Ehime Mbano, Ihitte-Uboma, Obowo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Deacon Chike Okafor has moved a motion, which was successfully passed on the floor of the Green Chambers, to the effect that a National food Security summit be convened, to address the hardship in the country, occasioned by the prevalent economic realities.
The summit will be chaired by the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, which he currently heads.
Here’s the motion, moved by Hon. Deacon Chike Okafor:
FOOD SCARCITY IN NIGERIA, NUTRITIONAL DANGERS, AND URGENT NEED FOR MORE GOVERNMENT REMEDIAL MEASURES TO ADDRESS FOOD SHORTAGES AHEAD OF THE RAINY/FARMING SEASON.
Hon. Deacon Chike John Okafor (fce, fnim, fcia, mnimn, PhD)
The House
Notes 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 well-being of our citizens.
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 about 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 wellness and wellbeing of Nigerians, it is worthy to note that the Rainy and farming season is fast approaching, and the looming specter 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.
Worried that Nutrition and Food is the most important existential challenge in Nigeria today, because 24.9 Million Nigerians are presently in an acute/critical stage of hunger, and this is considered to be an emergency, while 85.8 Million Nigerians have insufficient food consumption and out of this number, 47.7 Million Nigerians have a crisis or above crisis level in terms of food-based survival margin.
Also worried that peaceful protests is taking place now in some states with citizens groaning due to hunger and demanding immediate government intervention.
Cognizant 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 House resolves
(i) Urge 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.
(ii) That a National Food Security and Nutrition Summit is urgently convened by the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, in conjunction with House Committee on Agriculture Production and Service and Committee on Agriculture College and Institutions to address the current shortage of food and nutrition dangers with a view of finding lasting solution to the food crises facing the country.
(iii) Mandate all relevant Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organizations, 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.
(iv) Also mandate the Committee on Nutrition and Food Security and other relevant Committees to ensure compliance and report back to the House within three Legislative weeks.