Senator Ali Ndume has criticized the federal government’s inability to address pressing issues. In a motion co-sponsored by Ndume and Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, they alerted the government to the severity of the food crisis and the risk of famine and starvation, particularly among children.
Speaking with BBC Hausa, Ndume urged the government to take immediate action, meet with experts, and find solutions. The World Food Programme has warned that 82 million Nigerians could face food insecurity in the next five years.
The Senate’s resolution came after former Senate President Ahmad Lawan raised concerns about an impending food crisis, alleging that the country’s food reserves were completely depleted. Senators, in their various contributions, lamented the skyrocketing cost of food and urged the government to intervene immediately. Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured his colleagues that the government has taken measures to mitigate the food crisis. He directed the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Senator Salihu Mustapha, to brief the Senate on the ongoing efforts to distribute fertilizers to farmers across the country.
Senator Mustapha revealed that the federal government has decided to allocate 60 trucks of fertilizers to each state governor for distribution to farmers in their respective states. Additionally, each Senator will receive two trucks, while members of the House of Representatives will receive one truck each, to be shared among their constituents. Akpabio emphasized the importance of fertilizer distribution, stating that it is an emergency that requires immediate action. He urged his colleagues to take advantage of the opportunity and ensure that the fertilizers reach the farmers before the onset of the major rains.
Ahmad Lawan, in his remarks, expressed concern about the limits of people’s patience and tolerance in the face of such adversity. He stressed the need for the Senate to engage with the executive branch immediately, as the country’s food reserves are nearly depleted. Lawan acknowledged the vulnerability of the Senate in the leadership structure, as citizens often turn to their representatives for help in times of crisis.
Senator Ali Ndume, the Chief Whip, highlighted the predictions of credible global agencies regarding acute food and nutrition insecurity in the Sahel and West Africa, with a particular focus on Nigeria. He noted the visible signs of hunger, especially in the northern regions, where farmers are unable to access their farmlands due to various crises.
Senator Ahmed Wadada, representing Nassarawa West Senatorial District, emphasized the seriousness of the matter, stating that Nigerians are patient and enduring people, but hunger can test the limits of their tolerance.
The Senate’s urgent call to action underscores the gravity of the food insecurity crisis in Nigeria and the need for immediate and comprehensive measures to address the situation. As representatives of the people, the Senate has a responsibility to ensure the welfare and security of all Nigerians, particularly in times of crisis.