Nigerian Senator, Babangida Hussaini has sounded the alarm on the escalating cost of food items, calling on the government to take swift and decisive action. Representing Jigawa North West Senatorial District, Senator Hussaini emphasized that local communities in Northern Nigeria and beyond are struggling despite the start of the harvest season, when food prices should be at their lowest.
“This trend and its attendant economic burden on the people are quite alarming, especially at the start of the harvest season when food crops are expected to be sold at affordable prices,” Senator Hussaini stated.
He attributed the rising food prices to insecurity, banditry, and other criminal activities in key food-producing areas, warning that this trend poses a significant threat to national food security and stability.
“It is most unfortunate that insecurity, banditry and other nefarious activities of criminals in most of the food-producing areas, among other factors have contributed to the rising food prices and food insecurity in the nation,” he added.
Senator Hussaini urged the federal, state, and local governments, along with stakeholders, to take immediate strategic action to address this issue.
“I call on the Federal, State and Local Governments, as well as all relevant stakeholders to take immediate strategic actions to avert this palpable danger and ameliorate the situation in the overall interest of the nation,” he said.
The senator also encouraged Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at achieving sustainable economic growth and long-term prosperity.
The World Food Programme has identified the country as one of 18 nations at risk of acute food hunger between June and October 2024.