Food security will ensure sustainable national development — Expert

Dr Michael David, Executive-Director, Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), says addressing food insecurity will ensure sustainable national development.

David stated this in an interview with the News men on Thursday in Abuja.

He stressed the need for all hands to be on deck to ensure the availability of nutritious and affordable food for all Nigerians.

“The Right to Food Act 2023 has provided the necessary legislation that is essential for ensuring that every citizen has access to adequate, nutritious, and affordable food as a fundamental human right.

“Access to adequate and nutritious food is a fundamental human right enshrined in international treaties, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” David said.

He stated that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 identifies food provision as one of the government’s economic objectives.

“The specifics of what the government must do and what citizens can expect from this provision are not clearly outlined, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive clause in the Constitution,” he added.

David noted that to address the clause, the Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, was signed into law on March 3, 2023, by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“This legislation referred to as, the “Right to Food Act,” significantly amends the food provision clause to enhance food security for the nation and its people, making it a priority in government policies.

“According to the Right to Food Act, 16A (1) The State shall direct its policy towards ensuring that — (a) strategies that guarantee food security of the nation regarding availability, accessibility, and affordability of food to the citizens are initiated, undertaken, and implemented.

“Despite Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential, millions of Nigerian’s face hunger and malnutrition,” he said.

According to him, factors such as poverty, climate change, conflict, and inadequate agricultural support systems exacerbate the food insecurity crisis.

He noted that the Right to Food Act has numerous benefits ranging from guaranteeing access to food, ensuring that all Nigerians have consistent access to adequate and nutritious food.

The GIFSEP boss therefore emphasised the need to promote agricultural development through massive investment and support for small holder farmers.

He maintains that ensuring food security is not only a moral obligation but a strategic investment in Nigeria’s prosperity and stability.