The House of Representatives, in collaboration with 27 State Houses of Assembly and ministers, has committed to tackling malnutrition and food insecurity in Nigeria through enhanced cooperation. This commitment was announced during the inauguration of the National Legislative Network on Nutrition and Food Security by the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security in Abuja.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, expressed concern over the growing issue of food insecurity. Abbas emphasized the urgent need to address nutrition and food security challenges, stating, “We are taking concrete steps to restore hope to the suffering masses and enhance their well-being.”
The Speaker promised to initiate a strategic legislative process to combat malnutrition and food security issues, acknowledging the current difficulties faced by citizens. He highlighted the importance of involving state assemblies to achieve significant results in these areas.
Hon. Chike Okafor, Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, noted that malnutrition and food insecurity pose severe threats to Nigeria’s socio-economic development. He expressed optimism that the new legislative push, supported by both National and State Houses of Assembly, would effectively address these challenges through a comprehensive joint work plan.
Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker and Chairman of the Conference of Speakers, Mr. Debo Ogundoyin, emphasized the importance of including state assemblies in the effort to improve food security and nutrition. He stressed the need for a united approach to tackle Nigeria’s nutritional challenges.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, underscored the need for collective action to combat malnutrition, which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. He pointed out the negative impacts of poor nutrition on children’s education, productivity, and survival.
Minister of Budget and National Planning, Mr. Abubakar Baguda, highlighted the constitutional nature of nutrition and food security challenges, advocating for increased investment from all three tiers of government. He emphasized the need to localize solutions and address resource constraints.
Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, outlined the need to develop strategies to alleviate suffering caused by malnutrition. He noted the impact of factors such as banditry and policy framework on the food crisis and called for increased awareness and collaboration among government bodies and development partners to ensure food and nutrition security.
