House of Representatives Calls for Swift Implementation of Export Prohibition Act to Combat Food Smuggling and Insecurity

By MUHAMMAD DANBABA 

• Urgent Measures Needed to Address Food Insecurity and Support Agricultural Growth in Nigeria

In a decisive move, the House of Representatives urged the Federal Government on Wednesday to promptly implement the Exports (Prohibition) Act of 2004 as part of a strategy to combat food smuggling and the escalating insecurity issues facing Nigeria. The call was made during a plenary session that highlighted the urgent need for action to address food shortages and inflation across the country.

• Legislative Motion on Food Insecurity

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion titled “Need to Curb the Export Prohibition Act to Tackle Insecurity in Nigeria,” 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 nation is grappling with alarming levels of food insecurity, inflation, and shortages.

•  Growing Concerns Over Food Security

Shagaya pointed to troubling statistics from the World Bank and the International Rescue Committee, which indicate that over 31.8 million Nigerians—approximately 16 percent of the population—are currently facing severe food insecurity and malnutrition, with women and children being particularly affected.

He expressed concern that food smuggling and illegal exportation significantly contribute to the crisis, as large quantities of essential food products are being illicitly transported out of the country. This trend not only undermines agricultural productivity but also jeopardizes the livelihoods of local farmers.

•  Historical Context of the Export Prohibition Act

The lawmaker highlighted that the Export (Prohibition) Act, 2004, was enacted during a time when many Nigerians struggled to access basic food items such as rice, corn, yam, garri, cassava, and beans. He criticized the long-standing failure to enforce this legislation, which has resulted in acute food shortages, soaring prices, and heightened food insecurity, ultimately leading to a decline in revenue for both farmers and the Federal Government.

• Action Plan for Agricultural Support

In response to these challenges, the House of Representatives also called on the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to introduce additional incentives for farmers aimed at boosting agricultural output nationwide.

To ensure compliance with the Export Prohibition Act, the House mandated its committees on Agricultural Production and Services, Legislative Compliance, Customs, Commerce, and Industry to monitor the situation and provide a report within four weeks for further legislative action.

The urgent call by the House of Representatives for the implementation of the Export Prohibition Act underscores the critical need to address food insecurity and support local agriculture in Nigeria. As the nation grapples with these pressing issues, timely action and effective policies will be essential to safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and ensure access to nutritious food for all Nigerians.