By Charles Okonji
The Stakeholders in the agricultural sector have called on the three tiers of government to implement right to food Act of 2023.
The Act which seeks to address measures in actualizing food security, mandates states to set up strategies that guarantees food security of the nation regarding availability, accessibility, and affordability of food to the citizens.
As discussed recently at Stakeholders Dialogue on “Nigeria’s Right to Food Act” held in Lagos, the means of production, conservation and distribution of food must be upgraded and improved upon on a continuous basis.
According to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Lagos State, Abisola Olusanya, who was represented by Mrs. Ranti Sagoe-Oviebo, the State Coordinator of the Agro-Processing, Productivity, Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement, noted that Lagos State is dedicated to promoting and supporting the sector over the years.
She emphasised that the state has a lot initiatives that support farmers and its value-chain, adding that the government provides farm land, improved seedlings, fingerlings, and other inputs to boost food production.
She pointed out that everyone has roles to play in the actualization of food security, adding that most Nigerians are unpatriotic.
Regrettably, She said, most times the government support farmers with funds and inputs, but after two years, these farmers would disappear.
She appealed that all hands must be on deck to flush out adultrated food from the sector, stressing “can we still hold government accountable? Everyone must be held accountable.”
Earlier in his welcome address, Dr Michael Terungwa David, Team Lead: Global Initiative For Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation
(GIFSEP) noted that Lagos has the highest number of food-insecure people in Nigeria.
According to him, “A 2022 report indicated 1,780,194 individuals are experiencing food insecurity. This is a significant issue, impacting many urban families who struggle to access sufficient nutritious food. Despite efforts to promote food security, challenges like poverty, high food costs, unemployment and limited accessibility remain.
“Lagos State’s food security is critically important due to its large population, high economic activity, and its role as a major hub for Nigeria. Ensuring food security in Lagos is vital for the well-being of its citizens, the stability of the local economy, and the broader national food system.”
He outlined Large Population, Nigeria’s Economic Hub, National Food System Impact, Social Stability, Public Health, Poverty Alleviation, and Sustainable Development as key reasons for food security importance in Lagos State.
In his words, “Today marks a significant step forward in our collective efforts to ensuring every Nigerian enjoy the fundamental human right to adequate food, a right that is now recognized through the passage of the Right to Food Act.
“This law represents a historic shift in how we view food security, not as a privilege for some, but as a legally protected right for all.
It is important to note that Food security is not exactly the same thing as human right to food, food security is an end in itself while right to food is the means to an end.
On his part, the Country Director, Oxfarm, John Akina, represented by Peggy Maimiji urged Nigeria to move from policy formulation to p0licy implementation.
Maimaji said, “We can’t carry out the implementation without small holders, women, youths and other stakeholders. We are sensitizing them to hold the government accountable.
“We are don’t need to review obsolete policies, old policies cannot work for us now.
“Right to Food Act in section 16A on food security, says that states shall direct its policy towards ensuring that strategies that guarantee food security of the nation regarding availability, accessibility and affordability of food to the citizens are initiated, undertaken and implemented.”
