The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, stated on Thursday in Abuja that food security, as a fundamental right of citizens, should not be treated as a privilege.
This is as the minster pledges subsidies, credit access, and modern techniques to boost farming.
Abbas, represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Dike John Okafor, emphasized the need to collectively enhance agricultural production, reduce costs, and build the infrastructure necessary for the agricultural and allied sectors to thrive.
Speaking at the 22nd Annual Daily Trust Dialogue, themed “Food Security: Availability or Affordability?” the Speaker highlighted that access to nutrition, affordable food, and healthy meals is a fundamental human right.
He noted that food production and distribution across consumption chains could be optimized if the youth actively engage in agriculture, similar to their contributions in other thriving sectors of the economy.
According to him, the nation is grappling with high rates of malnutrition, particularly among children, many of whom suffer from stunted growth and micronutrient deficiencies.
He reiterated that addressing these challenges depends on the determination of the youth to take the lead in transforming the agricultural sector.
“We have committed to enacting policies that support farmers with subsidies, access to credit, and modern farming techniques and inputs.
“We also aim to develop legislation that promotes digital innovation, data protection, and e-commerce while enhancing Nigeria’s export potential and reducing dependency on unnecessary imports.
“I believe that we must collectively strive to enhance agricultural production, lower costs, and build the infrastructure needed for the agricultural and allied sectors to thrive. I do not believe that food security is a privilege.
“It is a fundamental right. No citizen of our dear country should go to bed hungry because of the contest between availability and affordability.
“With the right focus, which is now being driven by the renewed hope programme and keenly supported by our legislative agenda, I firmly believe that food insecurity in Nigeria will become history. We are not far from achieving this.
“I,therefore expect that the robust discussion here today will enrich us with actionable points that will help our resolve to collectively address the issue of food insecurity in our country.
“For us in the House of Representatives, we are ready to partner with the media on any legislation that may arise from this dialogue to ensure food security in Nigeria,” he said.
No Nigerian Should Sleep Hungry— Abbas is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
