Reps task FG on food smuggling
The House of Representatives have urged the Federal Government (FG)
to address food smuggling and insecurity challenges in Nigeria.through implementation of the Exports (Prohibition) Act, 2004.
The lawmakers who stated this during a plenary session on Wednesday, also urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to provide additional incentives for farmers to boost agric output across the country.
The lower legislative chamber’s resolution is sequel to the adoption of a motion on the “Need to Curb the Export Prohibition Act to Tackle Insecurity in Nigeria.”
The motion is sponsored by Muktar Shagaya, the member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, Kwara State.
The lawmaker noted that, despite its vast arable land, Nigeria was currently experiencing high levels of food insecurity, food inflation and shortages.
He expressed worries that the situation had denied millions of citizens access to sufficient and nutritious food, leading to hunger and malnutrition among Nigerians.
“The House is concerned about reports from the World Bank and the International Rescue Committee, indicating that over 31.8 million Nigerians, which is approximately 16 per cent of the population, are currently facing severe food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among women and children,” he said.
“The House is also concerned 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 is aware that the Export (Prohibition) Act, 2004, was passed at a time when the majority of Nigerians were unable to acquire basic necessities such as rice, corn, yam, garri, cassava, and beans because these goods were being transported, sometimes covertly, to foreign markets.”
Shagaya also noted that failure to implement the 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.
Following the adoption of the motion, the committees on Agricultural Production and Services, Legislative Compliance, Customs, Commerce, and Industry were mandated to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
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