In the face of global crises and escalating food insecurity, the Federal Government has said global solutions are needed to safeguard life and transform Nigeria’s agri-food systems.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, stated this yesterday at the World Food Day celebration in Abuja with the theme: “Leave no one behind, better production, better nutrition, a better environment and better Life”.
Abubakar urged Nigerians to eat mindfully and consider that millions of people were unable to afford one meal for themselves.
He called on relevant stakeholders to bring about the transformation that the world needs, as it continues to grapple with multiple crises which include conflicts, displacement, economic shocks, escalating food prices, climate change, among others.
This, he said, had resulted in food scarcity and affected global food supply.
According to him, the main goal of the World Food Day is to celebrate the promotion of food security around the world especially during difficult times.
He said: “We need to rededicate ourselves to this very important event and its purpose by drawing attention through global awareness, bold action and innovation to enhance effectively the channels that make our food systems stronger and more equitable.
“This day serves as a catalyst for people to get involved, reduce food waste and help feed millions so that hunger-related problems around the world are significantly reduced.”
He informed that the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has continued to play an important role in achieving this goal by promoting a more resilient food system.
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He added that the UN organ is actively working towards the achievement of food security and nutrition and supporting the necessary transformation of agri-food systems in collaboration with other UN agencies and partners at international and national levels.
The FAO Representative in Nigeria and to ECOWAS, Fred Kafeero, said, a lot must be done to reverse the trend of hunger and malnutrition.
Kafeero noted that the protracted conflict in the north and climate extremes such as the ongoing floods have severely impacted lives and livelihoods.
He said the challenges have led to rising food prices and cost of production.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, said everyone has a role to play in the transformation of Nigeria’s agriculture and food systems to enhance food and nutrition security while contributing to the eradication of poverty, hunger and malnutrition.
“The vast majority of these hungry people live in developing regions. So, what can the government do? What can the private sector do? What can farmers do? What can we all do?’’
“We are working with the Food and Agriculture Organisation and other partners to build a future where everyone has access to food and a sustainable healthy diet,” he said.