The lawmakers in the House of Representatives have accused the federal government of contributing significantly to severe food shortages, high food prices, and smuggling in the country.
The House stated that the government’s failure to implement the Export (Prohibition) Act, 2004, has led to severe food shortages, increased food insecurity, and a loss of revenue for both farmers and the federal government.
The House, therefore, emphasized the need to address the current food crisis by enforcing the Export (Prohibition) Act, 2004, to prevent food exportation, ensure food availability, and reduce the cost of living for Nigerians.
The decision of the House followed the adoption of a motion moved at the plenary on Wednesday by Hon. Muktar Shagaya.
In moving the motion, the lawmaker referred to Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
Shagaya stressed that Nigeria is currently experiencing high levels of food insecurity, food inflation, and food shortages.
He added: “Aware that the Export (Prohibition) Act, 2004, was passed at a time when the majority of Nigerians were unable to acquire basic necessities like rice, corn, yam, garri, cassava, and beans, as these goods were being transported, sometimes covertly, to foreign markets. A circumstance comparable to the situation experienced at the present.”
He stressed that this situation has led to millions of citizens lacking access to sufficient and nutritious food, resulting in untold hardship, hunger, and misery among the population.
Shagaya expressed concern about reports from the World Bank and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), which indicate that over 31.8 million Nigerians, approximately 16 percent of the population, are currently facing severe food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among women and children.
He noted, “Worried that the failure to implement the said legislation over time has led to severe food shortages, high food prices, increased food insecurity, and a loss of revenue for farmers and the federal government.”
He further expressed concern that food smuggling and exportation are major drivers of the current food insecurity, with large quantities of food products being smuggled out of the country, consequently undermining agricultural output and threatening the livelihoods of farmers.
The House called on the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to provide more incentives for farmers to boost agricultural production and productivity.