Palliative Measures Insufficient, Say Nigerians
In a strong critique, Nigerians assert that distributing palliatives not an effective solution to ongoing food shortage crisis. They urge President Bola Tinubu to declare a national emergency in food security and craft a thorough food production policy. Additionally, they demand action on security issues affecting farmers, especially those worsened by herder conflicts in southern states..
Activists Criticize Government’s Approach to Food Production
Political activist Blessing Adima criticized the government’s reliance on short-term solutions like buying and distributing grains and rice. He suggested that funds for importing food should instead combat root causes of insecurity such as banditry and herders’ conflicts. These issues are displacing farmers and severely hampering domestic food production, Adima noted.
Government’s Misplaced Priorities and Economic Policies
Various stakeholders have labeled current policy measures, like import reliance and scant local agriculture support, as inadequate. Critics contend that previous administrations, such as Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s, enacted more effective agricultural policies. These past policies directly provided farmers with essential resources like fertilizers and farm implements, unlike mere temporary reliefs.
Call for Return to Farming and Enhanced Security
Development consultant Furoebi Akene emphasized the importance of ensuring that farmers can safely return to their fields. He noted that without addressing the pervasive insecurity in rural areas, food shortages will persist, and palliative distributions will fail to reach those most in need due to corruption and mismanagement.
Legal Perspectives on Government Action
Iniruo Wills, a legal practitioner from Bayelsa State, criticized the government’s extravagant public displays as insufficient governance. He stressed the need for the administration to adopt rational policies to effectively mitigate the food crisis and other economic challenges.
Sustainable Solutions Proposed by Experts
Experts and activists across Nigeria are calling for sustainable approaches to the food security crisis. This includes subsidizing and distributing farm inputs to encourage more Nigerians to engage in agriculture, revising outdated agricultural policies, and enhancing the infrastructure to support modern farming techniques.
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