### Experts Call for Holistic Approach to Nigeria’s Food Security Crisis
**By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, South-South, Sam Oyadongha, Egufe Yafugborhi, Jimitota Onoyume, Marie-Therese Nanlong, Steve Oko & Ochuko Akuopha**
Nigerians have voiced their concerns over the Federal Government’s distribution of palliatives, asserting it is not a viable solution to the country’s food shortage crisis. They urge President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in food security, establish a national food policy, and address the insecurity caused by herders, which has forced many farmers, particularly in southern Nigeria, to abandon their lands.
**Misplaced Priorities—Adima, Political Activist**
Blessing Adima, a political activist from Delta State, criticized the government’s decision to distribute grains and rice as a short-term fix that neglects the root causes of the food crisis. He argued that the funds used for these imports could be better spent on tackling insecurity and supporting local food production.
**Encourage Farmers to Return—Akene, Development Consultant**
Furoebi Akene, a development consultant, emphasized the need for farmers to return to their fields. He also questioned the integrity of those distributing the palliatives, suggesting that corruption would hinder effective distribution.
**Temporary Relief—Idi, Ndokwa Youth Leader**
Comrade Presley Idi, Secretary of the Ndokwa National Youth Movement, highlighted that palliatives provide only temporary relief. He stressed the importance of creating a secure environment for farmers to reduce food shortages sustainably.
**Lack of Proper Governance—Wills, Legal Practitioner**
Iniruo Wills, a legal practitioner in Bayelsa State, argued that the government’s approach lacks strategic governance. He urged for more rational and effective governance to address the underlying issues causing food insecurity.
**Unsustainable Measures—Ekerefe, Former IYC Spokesperson**
Ebilade Ekerefe, ex-spokesperson of the Ijaw Youth Council, asserted that distributing palliatives is not a sustainable solution. He called for a comprehensive national policy on food security and immediate government action to address the root causes of the food crisis, such as inflation, fuel hikes, and insecurity.
**No Clear Policy Direction—Rukevwe, Educationist**
Edna Rukevwe, an educationist from Warri, Delta State, criticized President Tinubu for the lack of a clear policy direction following the removal of the petroleum subsidy. She recommended measures such as improving security for farmers, providing fertilizers, and acquiring tractors to support local agriculture.
**Addressing Farmers’ Insecurity—AFAN**
Chief Israel Amanze, representing the South East in the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), argued that distributing food items is a temporary measure. He called for subsidizing fertilizers and farm inputs to encourage farmers to return to their fields and address food insecurity sustainably.
**Encouraging Self-Reliance—Akpan, COMPPART Foundation**
Saviour Akpan, Executive Director of COMPPART Foundation for Justice and Peacebuilding, suggested subsidizing organic seedlings and fertilizers to promote self-reliance in food production. He also advocated for amending the Land Use Act of 1978 to make land more accessible for agricultural purposes.
**Policy and Investment Needed—Olajunwo, Rights Lawyer**
Ogunbiyi Olajunwo, a rights lawyer based in Uyo, criticized the government for not prioritizing food imports and opening borders. He called for a clear plan to tackle insecurity and purposeful investment in the food sector, including inviting investors to develop agriculture on a large scale.
**Supporting Small-Scale Farmers—Afan, SWOFON**
Mrs. Mary Afan of the Small-Scale Women Farmers Organization in Nigeria (SWOFON) emphasized the need to support smallholder farmers, who are often overlooked in favor of larger operations. She also highlighted the impact of insecurity on women farmers.
**Promoting Modern Farming—Residents’ Views**
Residents like Jamila Benzies-Buyengum and Adamu Musa emphasized the importance of modern farming techniques and training for youth to boost food production. Daniel Dazang called for engaging grassroots farmers to ensure food availability and sustainability, suggesting that involving locals and providing farm inputs would have a more significant impact than temporary palliative measures.
Overall, the consensus among experts and residents is that a multifaceted approach addressing security, policy, and investment in agriculture is crucial for solving Nigeria’s food security crisis.
Vanguard