The House of Representatives,
has raised concerns 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, thereby calling on Federal Government to swiftly implement the Exports (Prohibition) Act, 2004, to tackle the pressing issues of food smuggling and insecurity in Nigeria.
During a plenary session on Wednesday, the House also urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to provide additional incentives for farmers to boost agricultural output across the country.
The resolutions of the lower legislative chamber followed the adoption of a motion on the “Need to Curb the Export Prohibition Act to Tackle Insecurity in Nigeria,” sponsored by the member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, Kwara State, Muktar Shagaya.
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The lawmaker noted that, despite its vast arable land, Nigeria is currently experiencing high levels of food insecurity, food inflation, and food shortages.
This, he said, has led to millions of citizens lacking access to sufficient and nutritious food, resulting in 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.
“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,” said Shagaya.
The lawmaker noted that the 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.