In a bid to address the pressing issue of hunger and starvation across Nigeria, the Senate passed a motion on Tuesday urging the federal government to introduce a food stamps strategy as an interim measure.
The motion, sponsored by Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume and co-sponsored by Senator Saliu Mustapha, garnered support from the Red Chamber, which emphasized the importance of implementing the Nigeria version of the food stamps programme.
The Senate called upon the federal Ministry of Agriculture to collaborate with development partners and stakeholders, including the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, to develop practical templates and modalities for the effective implementation of the programme.
Ndume highlighted the projected food insecurity in Nigeria, citing ongoing conflicts, climate change impacts, inflation, and currency depreciation as contributing factors. He stressed the need for supplemental nutrition assistance to help low- and no-income individuals maintain adequate nutrition and health.
He explained, “Food stamps will provide food-purchasing assistance to those in need, alleviating the hardships faced by the poor and low-income earners.” Drawing parallels with the United States’ food stamp programme, which has been operational since 1933, Ndume underscored the importance of public assistance programmes in addressing food insecurity.
Ndume dismissed the idea of relying solely on wage increases or work support, emphasizing the urgency of immediate food assistance nationwide. He cautioned against food importation, deeming it counterproductive to solving the underlying issues.
Echoing Ndume’s sentiments, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro emphasized the timeliness of the motion, highlighting the challenge of identifying vulnerable populations in his constituency. He endorsed the food stamps programme as a means to alleviate food insecurity.
Senator Sadiq Umar emphasized the importance of ensuring that food stamps reach those in need and advocated for the swift implementation of the programme, emphasizing the need for distribution structures.
Supporting Ndume’s motion, Senator Solomon Adeola stressed the significance of food stamps alongside existing support measures, while Senator Sani Musa underscored its importance in enhancing food security, citing plans for a similar programme in his constituency.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau commended Ndume for the motion, affirming the Senate’s commitment to addressing the plight of Nigerians. He reiterated the Senate’s readiness to act on initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of citizens.
The Senate’s endorsement of the food stamps strategy represents a proactive step towards mitigating the adverse effects of food insecurity and alleviating the suffering of vulnerable populations across Nigeria.