The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Hon. Deacon Chike Okafor, Ph.D., paid a strategic visit to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, His Excellency, Atiku Bagudu.
The meeting held on 19 November 2024 in the office of the Hon. Minister in Abuja, focused on enhancing the nation’s budgetary allocations for nutrition and food security initiatives.
Hon. Okafor, accompanied by the clerk of his committee, Mrs Millicent Egenti alongside the lead consultant to the committee, Dr. John emphasized the urgency of ensuring that budgetary provisions align with the realities of food scarcity and malnutrition affecting millions of Nigerians.
Speaking after the meeting, Hon. Okafor described the discussion as “an opportunity to align legislative priorities with the executive’s plans for national food security.”
He stressed the need for robust funding to address the rising costs of food, improve agricultural outputs, and support vulnerable populations, particularly women and children suffering from malnutrition.
Senator Bagudu, renowned for his commitment to agricultural development during his tenure as governor of Kebbi State, expressed his support for the committee’s efforts.
He reassured the Chairman of the Ministry’s dedication to prioritizing food security and nutrition in Nigeria’s economic planning.
The meeting aligns with the federal government’s ongoing efforts to address the challenges of food insecurity, which have been exacerbated by inflation, climate change, and regional instability.
It indicates the importance of collaboration between the legislative and executive arms of government to create impactful policies.
This partnership between Hon. Okafor’s committee and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning could pave the way for improved access to nutritious food, revitalization of the agricultural sector, and a strengthened national response to hunger and malnutrition.
Hon. Okafor, a staunch advocate for social welfare and development, reiterated his commitment to ensuring that legislative oversight translates into meaningful outcomes for Nigerians.
“Food security is not just a policy issue; it is a matter of national survival. We must act swiftly and decisively,” He said.
This meeting is expected to set the stage for more comprehensive actions in the 2025 budget, with focused interventions designed to mitigate the food crisis and lay a foundation for long-term sustainability.
