Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says short-term measures, such as grain procurement, cannot address current hardship in Nigeria, calling for a more holistic and sustainable approach towards tackling the problem.
Atiku, in a post on his verified Facebook page, on Wednesday, said he was disheartened by the “escalating hunger crisis engulfing millions of Nigerian children, a number that has now swelled to approximately 4.4 million, as reported by the World Food Programme (WFP).”
The former Vice President, who stated that the Federal and state governments must act decisively to address the cause of this crisis, added, “short-term measures, such as grain procurement, are mere band-aids and fall woefully short of the comprehensive action needed.”
Atiku therefore called for a “more holistic and sustainable approach, including bolstering security measures to ensure safe access to food.
“The government must prioritize long-term strategies to curb food inflation, enhance security, and stabilize the forex rate, thereby safeguarding food security for all Nigerians.
“In particular, the government of Katsina State must heed expert advice, invest in agricultural development, support our farmers, and implement measures to prevent further displacement of communities.
“It is also vital to collaborate with humanitarian organizations and the international community to mitigate the impact of this crisis and work towards a brighter, more secure future for all Nigerians.”
