His Excellency,
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
Aso Rock Presidential Villa,
Abuja, Nigeria.
Re: Urgent Call to Address Hunger and Food Insecurity
Dear Mr. President,
The League for Social Justice writes to you today with a grave concern that we believe deserves urgent and focused attention: the escalating hunger and food insecurity crisis in Nigeria. As an organization committed to advocating for social justice, human rights, and equitable development, we cannot remain silent while millions of Nigerians are deprived of their basic right to food and adequate nutrition.
Nigeria is a country with immense potential, both in human and natural resources. Yet, the alarming levels of hunger are a stark contradiction to the wealth and opportunities our nation possesses. According to recent statistics, over 25 million Nigerians are at risk of facing hunger this year alone, with some regions already suffering from severe food shortages. These are not mere numbers—they represent individuals, families, and communities in dire straits, struggling for survival.
The root causes of this crisis are manifold: widespread insecurity, economic hardships, climate change, and structural inadequacies in our agricultural sector. Violent conflicts in farming regions, particularly in the North and Middle Belt, have driven many farmers off their lands, disrupting agricultural production and destroying livelihoods. In urban areas, inflation has pushed the price of basic food items beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. The depreciating value of the naira has only compounded these challenges, making it difficult to import critical agricultural inputs and food supplies.
Mr. President, the League for Social Justice firmly believes that access to food is not a privilege, but a fundamental human right. Hunger and food insecurity are not just problems of poverty; they are crises of justice, equity, and governance. Allowing hunger to persist in a country capable of feeding its people is a grave injustice, and we are urging your administration to address this issue with the urgency and seriousness it deserves.
We call on your leadership to take the following critical steps:
Immediate Emergency Response to Alleviate Hunger: In the short term, we need swift and coordinated efforts to deliver emergency food aid to the most vulnerable populations. This can be achieved by partnering with local communities, non-governmental organizations, and international agencies to provide food assistance to those in need. We also urge transparency and accountability in the distribution process to ensure that aid reaches the people for whom it is intended.
Securing Farming Communities and Addressing Insecurity: The ongoing violence and insecurity in many agricultural regions are crippling food production. Farmers cannot work their fields in fear, and displaced persons cannot return to their homes. We implore your administration to strengthen security in these areas and work towards lasting peace. The lives and livelihoods of millions depend on it.
Revitalizing the Agricultural Sector: Nigeria must once again be able to feed itself. This requires a comprehensive agricultural policy that supports smallholder farmers, invests in modern farming techniques, and encourages the use of climate-resilient crops. Access to affordable fertilizers, seeds, and agricultural technology must be prioritized, alongside investment in rural infrastructure, such as roads, irrigation systems, and storage facilities. Additionally, the government should explore options for creating sustainable agricultural financing schemes that can support farmers and agribusinesses.
Tackling Poverty and Economic Inequality: Hunger is often a symptom of deeper social and economic inequalities. The rising cost of food is exacerbating the poverty gap, making it impossible for low-income households to afford basic nutrition. We encourage policies that tackle income inequality, create jobs, and improve social welfare programs. Special attention should be given to the most vulnerable groups, including women, children, and rural populations, whose voices are often marginalized in policy discussions.
Strengthening Social Safety Nets and Nutrition Programs: It is critical to expand and strengthen existing social safety nets that can protect the poorest and most vulnerable. Programs such as school feeding initiatives, maternal and child nutrition programs, and targeted cash transfers must be scaled up to ensure that no Nigerian, especially children, goes to bed hungry.
Mr. President, food insecurity threatens not just the physical well-being of Nigerians, but also the stability and future of our nation. The League for Social Justice believes that with decisive and compassionate leadership, Nigeria can overcome this crisis and emerge stronger. We are calling on you to make the fight against hunger a top national priority, not just as a short-term emergency but as part of a broader, long-term strategy for food security and social justice.
We stand ready to support your government in any way possible in this critical endeavor. The time for action is now, and we trust that your leadership will rise to this momentous challenge.
Sincerely,
LaBode Obanor
President,
League for Social Justice
9/30/2024
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