On Tuesday, the Senate highlighted the urgent need for the Federal Government to tackle food insecurity in Nigeria through a comprehensive strategy, warning of potential crisis if the escalating cost of food items is not addressed promptly.
During a plenary session, senators expressed concerns over the severe hunger gripping the nation and stressed the necessity of addressing underlying issues such as herders/farmers clashes, cattle rustling, and other forms of insecurity that hinder food production and availability.
The debate was spurred by a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West), with co-sponsorship from Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South). The motion underscored the alarming rise in prices of food items and household consumables in recent months, attributing this trend to inflation and its detrimental effects on the purchasing power and living standards of Nigerians.
Senators emphasized that urgent action is crucial to prevent a deepening food crisis and alleviate the hardship faced by millions of citizens. They called for decisive measures to improve food sufficiency and curb market exploitation of essential commodities.
In conclusion, the Senate’s call for a multi-dimensional approach reflects a pressing national priority to safeguard food security, mitigate inflationary pressures, and enhance the overall welfare of the Nigerian populace amidst economic challenges.