By Milcah Tanimu

Rep. Chike Okafor, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, has sounded the alarm on Nigeria’s deepening hunger crisis amid escalating inflation rates. His warning, issued during a 3-Day retreat for Speakers of the 36-State Houses of Assembly and development partners in Owerri, underscores the urgent need for government action to tackle food and nutrition insecurity.

In his address, Rep. Okafor highlighted the pressing need for State Houses of Assembly to establish Nutrition and Food Security Committees, aimed at enacting legislation to promote food security and combat hunger nationwide. He emphasized the severe threat posed by malnutrition and food insecurity, particularly in urban and rural areas, exacerbated by the surge in inflation affecting both food and non-food items.

Rep. Okafor cited alarming statistics, indicating a staggering 185% increase in staple prices compared to the same period in 2023. He also referenced projections by the Food and Agriculture Organization, forecasting a further deterioration in the food and nutrition insecurity situation, potentially impacting 31.8 million vulnerable individuals without urgent humanitarian interventions.

Recognizing the pivotal role of nutrition and food security in fostering health and socio-economic development, Rep. Okafor reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th National Assembly to address these challenges. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between relevant ministries, states, and departments to combat food insecurity effectively.

In his opening remarks, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abass, emphasized the significance of the retreat in sensitizing State Houses of Assembly to establish Nutrition and Food Security Committees. He expressed confidence that these committees would play a vital role in driving legislative agendas aimed at alleviating food insecurity at the grassroots level.

Echoing this sentiment, Chairman of the Conference of Speakers and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, affirmed the commitment of State Houses of Assembly to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in addressing food insecurity and hunger, underscoring the importance of collective action in confronting this critical issue.