The United Nations (UN), through Dr. Hameed Nuru of the World Food Programme (WFP) Africa Union Global Office, has urged the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to allocate dedicated funding towards addressing food insecurity in Nigeria. Speaking at the University of Ilorin’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine annual lecture, themed “Navigating nexus of food security, safety and diseases,” Dr. Nuru highlighted the critical need for Nigeria to prioritize food security as a key component of national security. He emphasized that Nigerians spend a disproportionate amount of their income on food due to insecurity and other factors, stressing the urgent need for a specific budgetary allocation aimed at improving food security.
Dr. Nuru pointed out that conflicts, insecurity, and climate change have exacerbated food insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the North East. He underscored the importance of shifting focus from agriculture solely for subsistence to agriculture as a driver of economic prosperity. Additionally, he called for policies that empower citizens economically to access food independently, rather than relying solely on food aid.
Highlighting the WFP’s efforts, Dr. Nuru noted their commitment to assisting vulnerable populations in northern Nigeria, including displaced persons and host communities affected by conflicts and displacement. He advocated for policies that attract youth to agriculture and support regional trade agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The event also celebrated the legacy of Professor Saka Nuru, emphasizing his contributions to academia and global agriculture.