The Senate Calls for Urgent Government Action to Tackle Escalating Food Insecurity

The Senate of Nigeria has issued a pressing call to the Federal Government, urging immediate action to address the looming food insecurity crisis gripping the nation. This urgent plea comes in response to escalating prices of essential goods and household consumables, which have reached unprecedented levels in recent months.

Senator Sunday Karimi (APC- Kogi) and Senator Ali Ndume (APC-Borno) spearheaded the motion, highlighting the severe impact of inflation on purchasing power and living standards across Nigeria. Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Senator Karimi pointed out that food inflation has surged to 40.66% year-on-year, a significant rise from the 24.82% recorded just months ago in May 2023.

The motion underscores the alarming escalation in prices of staple foods such as beans, maize, rice, yam, tomatoes, and onions, which have skyrocketed by 100% to 300% since the removal of petroleum subsidies. Factors contributing to this price surge include insecurity in food-producing regions, inadequate infrastructure, rising transportation costs, and the depreciation of the national currency, the Naira.

Senator Karimi also criticized the profit-driven practices of merchants, traders, and retailers who exploit market conditions to maximize profits at the expense of consumers. He condemned what he described as a pervasive culture of greed and opportunism among some segments of society, fueled by impunity among political and corporate elites who have escaped accountability for misappropriation of public funds.

In response to these challenges, the Senate resolution calls on the Federal Government to swiftly implement comprehensive measures to alleviate food insecurity. These measures are expected to include robust interventions to stabilize prices, improve agricultural productivity, enhance infrastructure, and promote ethical business practices in the marketplace.

Furthermore, the Senate urged the government to communicate these measures transparently to the Nigerian public, ensuring clarity on the steps being taken to mitigate the crisis and restore economic stability. The resolution underscores the Senate’s commitment to addressing the root causes of food insecurity and ensuring the well-being of all Nigerians amidst these challenging times.