By Agbo Christian Obiora
Abuja, Nigeria – Food security experts are calling for the urgent implementation of the Right to Food Act, stressing that the law is a crucial step toward ensuring that every Nigerian has access to adequate and nutritious food. Despite its enactment in March 2023, implementation remains a significant challenge, leaving millions vulnerable to hunger and malnutrition.
At a media training on the Right to Food Act held in Abuja on Wednesday, the Executive Director of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), Michael Terungwa David, raised alarm over the poor awareness surrounding the law, which explicitly makes food a basic human right. Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the event, he emphasized that for the law to have any meaningful impact, the government must prioritize its implementation, while citizens must be informed and actively involved in demanding their rights.
A Law Without Awareness Is As Good As No Law
Terungwa David lamented that despite the significance of the law, public awareness has been abysmally low. According to him, millions of Nigerians are unaware that food security is now a legal right, and not merely a policy aspiration.
“The implementation of the law cannot happen without awareness. Citizens must be involved and demand accountability and transparency from the government,” he said.
In a bid to bridge the information gap, GIFSEP has taken a proactive approach by organizing training sessions for journalists to educate them on the Right to Food Act, its provisions, and its importance. He stressed that the law is not just another legislative document—it is a constitutional amendment, making it a powerful legal framework that mandates government action.
“The Right to Food Act aims to ensure that every Nigerian has access to adequate food. The government is obligated to respect, protect, and fulfill this right, yet little has been done to operationalize the law,” Terungwa David stated.
Food Security Is a National Security Issue
Beyond being a basic necessity, food security has major implications for national security, economic stability, and public health. The GIFSEP director highlighted that food insecurity is a root cause of conflicts, instability, and economic distress, yet government response has remained lukewarm.
“When people are hungry, crime increases, political instability worsens, and health challenges escalate. A nation that cannot feed itself is vulnerable on all fronts,” he warned.
To ensure sustainable food availability, GIFSEP is also advocating for greater government support for smallholder farmers, who are responsible for producing the majority of Nigeria’s food. The organization insists that empowering farmers with access to credit, technology, and irrigation infrastructure will play a crucial role in mitigating food shortages.
Terungwa David also criticized the government’s over-reliance on palliatives, stating that handouts and food aid are not a sustainable solution to Nigeria’s worsening food crisis. Instead, he called for policies that guarantee long-term food accessibility, affordability, and production stability.
“The government must shift from a reactionary approach of providing food palliatives to a proactive strategy that ensures food availability for all. Palliatives may provide temporary relief, but they do not solve the underlying food crisis,” he argued.
The Right to Food: A Legal Obligation, Not a Privilege
Also speaking at the event, Professor Gbolagade Ayoola, Executive Director of the Farm and Infrastructure Foundation (FIF), underscored the transformative nature of the Right to Food Act. He explained that the law elevates food from a mere human need to an enforceable human right, making the government and private sector legally accountable for ensuring food security.
“This distinction is crucial. When food is recognized as a human right, it becomes a claimable entitlement that can be enforced by law. Without this legal framework, the right to food remains theoretical, and violations go unpunished,” he said.
Professor Ayoola noted that the absence of legal protection for the right to food has contributed to widespread violations, including land grabbing, environmental degradation, and exploitative agricultural policies that have worsened food insecurity in the country. He cited illegal mining, deforestation, and pollution as major threats to food production, urging the government to enforce stricter environmental regulations.
“The exploitation of natural resources without consideration for food production has devastating consequences on national food security. If the government truly recognizes the right to food, then environmental sustainability must be a priority,” he added.
Holding Government and Private Sector Accountable
The Right to Food Act mandates government and private sector entities to actively participate in ensuring food security. Professor Ayoola highlighted that the private sector plays a critical role in food production and distribution, and must not be left out of the conversation.
“Food security is not the responsibility of the government alone. The private sector must also be held accountable for fair pricing, ethical agricultural practices, and corporate responsibility in ensuring that food remains accessible to all,” he stated.
The law, he explained, includes provisions for providing food assistance to individuals who are unable to feed themselves due to emergencies, natural disasters, or economic hardship. However, without proper implementation, these provisions remain mere paper promises.
Changing the Mindset: Food Is a Right, Not a Privilege
One of the biggest obstacles to the implementation of the Right to Food Act, according to Professor Ayoola, is the deeply entrenched belief that food is a privilege, rather than a right.
“For too long, Nigerians have accepted food insecurity as normal. The mindset needs to change—food is not a favor from the government; it is a fundamental human right that must be fulfilled,” he emphasized.
He expressed optimism that as awareness grows and advocacy intensifies, the law will become an effective tool for fighting hunger, holding leaders accountable, and demanding policy reforms.
“The Right to Food Act is a powerful framework for addressing hunger and food insecurity in Nigeria. It provides a strong legal basis for marginalized communities to demand their rights and for civil society to hold those in power accountable,” he concluded.
A Call to Action: The Time to Implement Is Now
With Nigeria grappling with rising food prices, worsening inflation, and increasing hunger levels, experts insist that the implementation of the Right to Food Act is no longer an option—it is an urgent necessity.
The call to action is clear:
- Government must take deliberate steps to implement the Act, including setting up mechanisms for enforcement.
- The media must amplify awareness so that every Nigerian understands their right to food.
- Citizens must demand transparency, accountability, and policies that prioritize sustainable food security.
As global food crises continue to worsen, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture. Will the government rise to the occasion and fulfill its obligation to its citizens, or will the Right to Food Act remain another unimplemented law collecting dust on the shelves?
For millions of Nigerians battling daily hunger, the answer could mean the difference between survival and starvation.
