By Aaior K. Comfort

The House of Representatives has urgently urged the Federal Government to implement the Exports (Prohibition) Act of 2004 to combat food smuggling and insecurity in Nigeria. Additionally, the House has called on the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to enhance incentives for farmers to increase agricultural production and productivity.

The Committees on Agricultural Production and Services, Legislative Compliance, Customs, and Commerce and Industry have been tasked with ensuring compliance and reporting back within four weeks for further legislative action. This resolution follows the adoption of a motion titled “Need to Curb Export Prohibition Act to Curb Insecurity in Nigeria,” sponsored by Hon. Muktar Shagaya.

In presenting the motion, Shagaya referenced Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that the primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of the people. He highlighted Nigeria’s alarming levels of food insecurity, food inflation, and shortages, which have left millions of citizens without access to sufficient and nutritious food, leading to significant hardship and hunger.

Shagaya expressed concern over reports from the World Bank and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) indicating that more than 31.8 million Nigerians, approximately 16% of the population, are facing severe food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among women and children. He pointed out that food smuggling is a major contributor to the current food crisis, with significant quantities of food products being illegally exported, undermining agricultural output and threatening farmers’ livelihoods.

He stated, “The Export (Prohibition) Act, 2004 was enacted when many Nigerians could not access essentials like rice, corn, yam, garri, cassava, and beans, as these goods were covertly transported to foreign markets. The failure to enforce this legislation has resulted in severe food shortages, skyrocketing prices, increased food insecurity, and lost revenue for farmers and the federal government.”

Shagaya emphasized the need to address the ongoing food crisis by enforcing the Export (Prohibition) Act to ensure food availability and reduce the cost of living for Nigerians.