Reps demand end to smuggling

The House of Representatives on Wednesday asked the Federal Government to take immediate measures to implement the Exports (Prohibition) Act, 2004, to address the challenges of food smuggling and insecurity in Nigeria.

During a plenary session on Wednesday, the House also urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to provide additional incentives for farmers to boost agricultural output across the country.

These resolutions from the  Green Chamber followed the adoption of a motion on the “Need to Curb Food Smuggling to Address Insecurity in Nigeria,” sponsored by the member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, Kwara State, Muktar Shagaya.

The lawmaker noted that Nigeria, despite its vast arable land, is currently experiencing high levels of food insecurity, food inflation, and food shortages.

This situation, he said, had led to millions of citizens lacking access to sufficient and nutritious food, resulting in hunger and malnutrition among Nigerians.

“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 per cent of the population, are currently facing severe food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among women and children.

“The House is also concerned that food smuggling and exportation are major drivers of the current food insecurity, with large quantities of food products smuggled out of the country, consequently undermining agricultural output and threatening the livelihoods of farmers.

“The House is aware that the Export (Prohibition) Act, 2004, was passed during a period when the majority of Nigerians were unable to acquire basic necessities like rice, corn, yam, garri, cassava, and beans because these goods were being transported, sometimes covertly, to foreign markets.”

The All Progressives Congress lawmaker noted that the failure to implement the said legislation over time had led to severe food shortages, high food prices, increased food insecurity, and the loss of revenue for farmers and the Federal Government.

The House acknowledged the need to address the current food crisis by enforcing the Export (Prohibition) Act, 2004, to prevent food exportation, ensure food availability, and reduce the cost of living for Nigerians.

Following the adoption of the motion, the committees on Agricultural Production and Services, Legislative Compliance, Customs, and Commerce and Industry were mandated to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.