UN Urges Action to Tackle Food Insecurity in Nigeria

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, has called on the federal government to intensify action to address the pervasive issue of food insecurity in Nigeria.

Schmale, who emphasised the importance of revitalising the country’s food systems, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent declaration of food security as a national emergency.

Schmale described Tinubu’s action as a positive step towards combating rising food prices and shortages.

In a statement ahead of the Africa Social Impact Summit, organised by the Sterling One Foundation in collaboration with the UN in Nigeria, Schmale urged all stakeholders to unite and formulate a comprehensive rescue plan for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The summit would present an opportunity for federal and state governments, the private sector, development partners, and other critical stakeholders to generate innovative solutions and new hope, particularly for the most vulnerable citizens.

“We hope the recent declaration on food security brings meaningful investment into Agriculture to tackle the current challenges,” stated Schmale. He further asserted that Nigeria has the capacity to feed itself and should focus on sustainable agricultural production instead of relying solely on international food aid.

With the recent removal of fuel subsidies leading to an increase in the cost of goods and services, Schmale highlighted the readiness of the United Nations to support the Nigerian government in designing impactful palliative measures. Additionally, the UN aims to work with the government to establish enduring strategies that promote sustainable agricultural production, thereby cushioning the impacts of the economic changes.

The Africa Social Impact Summit holds a crucial position in the lead-up to the global SDG Summit scheduled to take place in New York in September 2030.

The UN boss stressed that the upcoming SDG Summit offers world leaders a global platform to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete actions. He warned that without urgent and sustained efforts to build upon positive initiatives, the 2030 Agenda could remain nothing more than a broken promise to the world’s most vulnerable populations.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, expressed enthusiasm about the growth and impact of the Africa Social Impact Summit.

He acknowledged that the summit has gained significant traction and provided an effective platform for translating available capital and resources into meaningful and sustainable impact in the development ecosystem.

Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Adepeju Ibekwe, revealed that the previous edition of the Africa Social Impact Summit had exceeded expectations in terms of attendance, outcomes, and impact on the development ecosystem. With the upcoming summit set to address critical issues such as food insecurity, attendees are optimistic about fostering collaboration and implementing tangible solutions.