The Nigerian Senate has issued a stark warning about the potential for widespread nationwide protests if the Federal Government does not take immediate and decisive action to address the acute food crisis in the country. During a recent session, senators highlighted the dire state of food security, revealing that government-owned food reserves are depleted and that Nigerians are struggling with severe hunger.
The urgent need to tackle food insecurity and market exploitation was brought to the Senate’s attention through a motion titled “Urgent Need to Address Food Insecurity and Market Exploitation of Consumables in Nigeria,” co-sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume.
In his argument, Ndume pointed out that hunger is becoming increasingly prevalent across Nigeria.
“In the North, we have started seeing hunger. People can’t go to the farm. Even in the South East and South West, there are farmers and herders crises,”
he said.
Ndume emphasized that the prices of basic food items are skyrocketing, and Nigeria has been listed among the nations facing a severe food crisis for the first time.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the gravity of the situation, confirming the widespread food scarcity and urging the government to take immediate action.
“The observation that Nigeria is among the countries that will face a serious food crisis is true. I think the government should do something about it,”
Akpabio stated.
Senator Idris Wadada from Nasarawa State underscored the seriousness of the issue, noting that while Nigerians are known for their patience, there is a limit to their tolerance in the face of hunger. He called for the Senate to make concrete recommendations to the government to address the factors contributing to low food production.
“As representatives of the people, we are responsible and responsive. We are all leaders and critical stakeholders in this country,”
Wadada said.
Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan echoed these concerns, highlighting the extreme hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians.
“Our people are facing real hunger. I saw people, common people, suffering, struggling for food and eating once a day,”
Lawan said.
He warned that the government’s current measures, such as removing taxes on food items, might not be sufficient.
“We don’t have food reserves. The silos are empty. To import, we need forex. We have to engage the administration of Mr. President.”
Lawan further stressed the urgency of taking action to prevent social unrest, given the increasing costs of fuel, electricity, and food.
“If we don’t take action, our citizens, under increased fuel prices, electricity, including food, we won’t like the kind of things we will see in our streets. We must take the right action to ensure that there is food. We can’t take the people for granted for too long,”
he added.
Senator Adamu Aliero from Kebbi State raised concerns about the distribution of fertilizers intended for farmers, noting that these were being diverted to state governors instead of reaching their intended recipients in senatorial districts.
“There is the need for you (Akpabio) to intervene so that the senatorial districts get it. It will be useless after this month,”
Aliero said.
Senator Salihu Mustapha from Kwara State assured his colleagues that by the weekend, all senatorial districts would receive trucks of fertilizers.
In his concluding remarks, Senate President Akpabio emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that if the issues raised were not resolved by the following week, the Senate might be compelled to summon the Ministers of Finance and Agriculture. He assured that every senator would receive two trucks of fertilizers before the next Tuesday, while members of the House of Representatives would receive one truck each.
