Food Security: Speaker Abbas talks about actionable solution at Daily Trust dialogue

Admin I Friday, January 24, 2025

 

ABUJA, Nigeria – The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D., GCON, has expressed optimism that food insecurity in Nigeria will soon be a thing of the past.

Speaking through Hon. Chike Okafor, Ph.D., Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, the Speaker conveyed this message during the 22nd Annual Daily Trust Dialogue held in Abuja on Thursday, January 23, 2025.

Themed “Food Security: Availability or Affordability?”, the dialogue provided a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on practical strategies to address Nigeria’s food challenges.

In his keynote address, Hon. Okafor, representing the Speaker, commended the choice of the theme and reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to tackling food insecurity through effective legislation.

“The 10th Assembly, under my leadership, has demonstrated its dedication to this cause by establishing a distinct Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, chaired by Hon. Chike Okafor, Ph.D.,” the Speaker noted.

He also pointed to initiatives led by the committee, including the launch of the National Legislative Network on Nutrition and Food Security on July 22, 2024.

This network, developed in collaboration with state legislators, seeks to combat food shortages and malnutrition nationwide.

The Speaker also emphasized the need to support farmers with subsidies, access to credit, modern farming techniques, and agricultural inputs to enhance productivity.

He expressed particular concern over Nigeria’s high rates of malnutrition, especially among children suffering from stunted growth and micronutrient deficiencies.

“To address these challenges, we are promoting sustainable agricultural practices and encouraging the adoption of digital innovation, data protection, and e-commerce in the agricultural sector,” Hon. Okafor quoted the Speaker as saying.

The Speaker called for collective efforts to combat food insecurity, urging young Nigerians to take an active role in agriculture. “Food security is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right.

“No Nigerian should go to bed hungry because of the contest between availability and affordability,” he said.

He expressed confidence in the federal government’s Renewed Hope Programme, supported by the National Assembly’s legislative agenda, as a framework to address food insecurity.

“With the right focus, I firmly believe that food insecurity in Nigeria will become history,” he added.

The Speaker concluded by emphasizing the importance of actionable resolutions from the dialogue and assured stakeholders of the National Assembly’s readiness to support legislation stemming from the discussions.

The event brought together policymakers, agricultural experts, and stakeholders to explore innovative solutions for ensuring food security across Nigeria.