Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has said that short-term measures, such as grain procurement fall short of the comprehensive action needed to address the hunger crisis in the country.
He said the national and state governments must act decisively to address the cause of the crisis.
Atiku said a more holistic and sustainable approach is crucial, including bolstering security measures to ensure safe access to food.
He said, “I am profoundly 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).
“Madina Maishanu’s recent BBC report paints a harrowing picture of the plight faced by families in Katsina state. Her courageous journalism illuminates the harsh realities endured by our most vulnerable communities.
“Our national and state governments must act decisively to address the cause of this crisis. Short-term measures, such as grain procurement, are mere band-aids and fall woefully short of the comprehensive action needed.
“A more holistic and sustainable approach is crucial, 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,” he said.