A civil society group, South West East North Of Nigeria Cord. initiative, SOWENON, has called on the Federal Government to address the worsening food security challenge in the country.
The National Coordinator, Dr Sam Jenfa, who made the appeal in a statement to Newsmen on Sunday in Abuja, says that the government should provide more empowerment schemes to Farmers and those in the agricultural value chain.
Worried by the growing food shortage, Dr Jenfa emphasized the need for the government at all levels to address the declining agricultural productivity.
“Sadly, the situation remains critical. Many citizens continue to suffer from hunger, malnutrition, and poor health conditions caused by food insecurity,” he noted.
While the government has invested in infrastructure development, it is difficult for ordinary Nigerians to appreciate these achievements when the daily struggle for food dominates their lives. Hunger remains a powerful and pressing reality for millions of households across the country.
According to him, the need for honest economic assessment as one of the concerns facing the administration is the quality of advice being provided to the President.
“Some advisers appear determined to paint a picture of economic prosperity, suggesting that all is well. However, the experiences of many Nigerians tell a different story.
The reality of rising living costs, unemployment, and food insecurity indicates that significant challenges still exist.”
Dr Jenfa stated that policymakers should be willing to confront these realities honestly if meaningful solutions are to be achieved.
“Despite the economic difficulties, the Tinubu administration has recorded some important successes in the area of security. A notable example was the successful rescue of kidnapped students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State by Nigerian security agencies.
Continued efforts to combat banditry and insecurity across the country are very essential. Improved security will encourage farmers to return to their fields and restore agricultural production.”
However, security alone is not enough. Farmers also require access to affordable finance, modern equipment, and government support to improve productivity and increase food supply.
The government’s efforts to reshape the economy through infrastructure investment deserve recognition. One major project is the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Railway. This strategic transportation corridor will strengthen intercity connectivity, linking the Atlantic port city of Lagos to Kano through Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The railway is expected to promote trade, reduce transportation costs, facilitate the movement of goods and people, and create new business opportunities across the country.
Another significant development, according to the SOWENON Director General, is the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Nigerian government and Abu Dhabi Ports Group. The proposed investment, reportedly valued at about $50 billion, has the potential to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime sector, improve trade competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and create employment opportunities.
If successfully implemented, such partnerships could contribute substantially to Nigeria’s long-term economic growth and development.
Dr Sam Jenfa commended the Tinubu administration for introducing several initiatives aimed at improving the economy. However, it remains difficult for many citizens to recognise these gains because of the severe poverty and hardship affecting large segments of the population.
Many Nigerians continue to endure conditions that test the limits of human endurance. Economic reforms may offer long-term benefits, but their impact will remain difficult to appreciate if immediate concerns such as hunger, unemployment, and rising living costs are not adequately addressed.
Despite its challenges, Nigeria remains one of Africa’s leading economies. The country ranks among the world’s largest economies by nominal GDP and holds a strong position in Africa in terms of purchasing power and economic potential.
As a nation, we must condemn banditry and hold accountable those who sponsor violence and instability. Above all, we must prioritise love, peace, unity, and national development. If we truly believe in the greatness of Nigeria, then we must work together to restore hope and build a future that benefits all citizens.
While there are encouraging signs of progress through infrastructure development, security improvements, and foreign investment initiatives, the realities of poverty and food insecurity cannot be ignored.
“The true measure of economic success will not be found in statistics alone but in the ability of ordinary Nigerians to live with dignity, security, and hope”. Jenfa said.