Introduction to the Crisis
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration of weaponising hunger, destroying local production, and manipulating food prices for political mileage. This accusation comes at a time when the country is grappling with issues of food security and the impact of economic policies on local farmers.
The State of Food Security in Nigeria
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari, has assured Nigerian farmers of access to credit facilities to enhance agricultural production nationwide. However, the ADC has criticised the administration’s claims of increased local production of food as dishonest, stressing that many farmers, especially in the northern part of the country, had been displaced by banditry, while those that remained active could not afford the skyrocketing cost of critical inputs.
Criticisms and Concerns
The party questioned the rationale behind hoarding imported food while millions go hungry, calling it a deliberate weaponisation of poverty for political gains. The ADC urged a complete overhaul of the country’s agricultural strategy, calling for policies that protect local production, promote food price stability, protect the lives of farmers, and pursue long-term food sovereignty. The party finds it particularly strange and dishonest for the government to claim that its policies are encouraging domestic production when many farmers have been displaced by bandits, and those who remain are barely able to afford the cost of planting.
Government’s Response and Initiatives
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security gave an assurance during a public hearing in Abuja organised by the Senate Committee on Agricultural Production Services and Rural Development. The hearing focused on three bills: the Cassava Flour (Mandatory Inclusion into Flour Production) (Establishment) Bill, 2023, the National Food Reserve Agency and for Related Matters Bill, and the Rice Development Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024. The minister emphasised that the ministry was working to reduce the high cost of farm inputs and irrigation.
International Support and Partnerships
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing agricultural transformation and food security in Nigeria through stronger research-backed partnerships and coordinated action. During a recent mission to Abuja, IITA Director-General and Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr Simeon Ehui, met with the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, for a high-level dialogue on strengthening collaboration for sustainable agriculture, youth agripreneurship, and food systems resilience.
Conclusion
The issue of food security in Nigeria is complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive approach that addresses the needs of local farmers, promotes sustainable agricultural practices, and ensures equitable access to food for all citizens. The government, international organisations, and local stakeholders must work together to develop and implement effective policies and strategies that prioritise the well-being of Nigerian citizens and the long-term sustainability of the country’s agricultural sector.
FAQs
- Q: What is the current state of food security in Nigeria?
A: The current state of food security in Nigeria is challenging, with issues of hunger, displacement of farmers, and manipulation of food prices. - Q: What is the ADC’s criticism of the government’s agricultural policies?
A: The ADC criticises the government’s claims of increased local production as dishonest and accuses the administration of weaponising hunger and manipulating food prices for political gains. - Q: What initiatives is the government taking to support farmers?
A: The government is working to reduce the high cost of farm inputs and irrigation and has assured farmers of access to credit facilities to enhance agricultural production. - Q: What role is the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) playing in addressing food security in Nigeria?
A: IITA is committed to advancing agricultural transformation and food security in Nigeria through stronger research-backed partnerships and coordinated action, focusing on sustainable agriculture, youth agripreneurship, and food systems resilience.
Source: guardian.ng
