By Abdullahi Lukman
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has described food security as a fundamental right for Nigerians, not a privilege.
Delivering his keynote address at the 22nd Annual Daily Trust Dialogue in Abuja, which was centered on the theme: “Food Security: Availability or Affordability?” Abbas urged government to ensure that no citizen goes to bed hungry due to the challenges of availability or affordability.
He, therefore, told Nigerians never see food as a luxury but as a basic human right that should be accessible to all Nigerians.
Represented by Dike John Okafor, the Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, the speaker expressed the National Assembly’s unwavering commitment to enacting legislation that would significantly enhance agricultural production and tackle food insecurity across the nation.
Abbas emphasized that legislation would focus on improving nutrition, supporting farmers, and ensuring the sustainable development of the agricultural sector.
He acknowledged the severe problem of malnutrition in Nigeria, noting that many children suffer from stunted growth and micronutrient deficiencies, which contribute to the overall poor health and development of the nation’s youth.
He called for a more concerted effort to address these issues, stressing that the government’s priority should be to make nutritious food accessible and affordable for all Nigerians, particularly vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
To combat these challenges, Abbas emphasized the need for policies that would provide farmers with essential support, including subsidies, easier access to credit, and modern agricultural inputs and techniques.
He also underscored the importance of using technological advancements, such as digital innovation, data protection, and e-commerce, to drive agricultural growth, reduce reliance on imports, and boost Nigeria’s export potential.
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The Speaker also called on Nigeria’s youth to play a pivotal role in addressing food insecurity.
He urged young people to actively engage in agriculture, emphasizing that they hold the key to the future of the country’s food security.
“It’s time for young people to take the lead in transforming the agricultural sector.
They should see agriculture not just as a means of livelihood, but as an opportunity to contribute to the nation’s prosperity and food security,” Abbas stated.
He explained that through collaborative efforts, with support from the government, the private sector, and the general public, the country can overcome the challenges of food insecurity.
The Speaker expressed confidence that with the ongoing legislative efforts and the government’s renewed focus on addressing food insecurity, Nigeria is on the right path of achieving self-sufficiency in food production.
He assured Nigerians that the National Assembly would continue to partner with the media and other stakeholders to push for the necessary legislation and create an environment where food security is not just a policy but a reality for every Nigerian.
“We are not far from achieving food security in Nigeria. With the right policies, investment in agriculture, and collective effort, I am confident that food insecurity will become a thing of the past,” he said.
Abbas concluded by expressing his hope that the discussions from the Daily Trust Dialogue would generate actionable solutions that could be used to shape the future of food security policies in Nigeria.
He reiterated the National Assembly’s readiness to collaborate with all sectors to ensure the success of these initiatives.
