The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to promptly enforce the Exports (Prohibition) Act of 2004 to address the urgent issues of food smuggling and insecurity plaguing Nigeria.
During a plenary session, lawmakers also encouraged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to offer additional incentives to farmers to enhance agricultural productivity across the nation.
These resolutions were made following the adoption of a motion concerning the need to utilize the Export Prohibition Act to combat insecurity in Nigeria.
The motion was sponsored by Muktar Shagaya, the representative for Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency in Kwara State.
Shagaya emphasized that despite Nigeria’s vast arable land, the country is grappling with significant food insecurity, soaring food inflation, and widespread food shortages.
He pointed out that millions of Nigerians currently lack access to sufficient and nutritious food, resulting in heightened hunger and malnutrition levels.
“The House is concerned about reports from the World Bank and the International Rescue Committee indicating that over 31.8 million Nigerians, which is approximately 16 percent of the population, are currently facing severe food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among women and children,” he stated.
He further expressed concern that food smuggling and exportation are significant contributors to the ongoing food insecurity crisis. “Large quantities of food products are being smuggled out of the country, consequently undermining agricultural output and threatening the livelihoods of farmers,” Shagaya added.
The lawmaker noted that the Export (Prohibition) Act, 2004, was enacted during a time when many Nigerians struggled to access basic food staples such as rice, corn, yam, garri, cassava, and beans, as these products were often covertly transported to foreign markets.
He highlighted that the failure to implement the legislation over the years has resulted in severe food shortages, escalating food prices, increased food insecurity, and lost revenue for both farmers and the Federal Government.
Following the motion’s adoption, the committees on Agricultural Production and Services, Legislative Compliance, Customs, Commerce, and Industry were tasked with ensuring adherence to the act and reporting back within four weeks for further legislative action.
