SENATE URGES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE FOOD STAMP TO ALLEVIATE HUNGER

The Senate has urged the federal government to implement a food stamps program as an interim solution to alleviate the impact of hunger and the food crisis in the nation.

The legislative body also called on the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to collaborate with development partners and relevant stakeholders, notably the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, which previously introduced the Temporary Food Assistance Programme (TEFAP).

Food stamps constitute a supplemental nutrition assistance program designed to provide food-purchasing aid for individuals with low or no income, assisting them in maintaining adequate nutrition and health.

Senator Ndume, presenting the motion, highlighted the October 2023 Cadre Harmonisé Analysis on food insecurity, projecting that around 26.5 million people in Nigeria would face heightened food insecurity in 2024. He expressed concern over the public demonstrations in various cities due to increased food prices.

Senator Ndume pointed to the successful use of food stamps in countries like the United States since 1933, emphasizing its role in mitigating hardships for low-income individuals. He stressed that relying solely on wage increases and work support might not effectively address food insecurity without the implementation of a proven public assistance program, as proposed in this motion, with an immediate focus on nationwide food support.

The Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP Benue South), supported the motion, asserting that there is no better time than the present to address the issue. He acknowledged the difficulty in identifying vulnerable individuals in his constituency and believed that the introduction of food stamps would provide valuable assistance.

Saawua Terzungwe; From the News Source: DailyTrust