Prominent politician Peter Obi has opined that having food security will guarantee general security in the country, News About Nigeria reports.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections stated this while speaking at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 held in the Rwandan capital Kigali.
He noted that food insecurity in Africa is intrinsically linked to human insecurity, adding that solving food insecurity is a major path to general security in the country.
Obi, who was one of the panellists, also stated that by investing in agriculture and food-related productivity, Nigeria will not only be addressing hunger but will also create huge job opportunities for the teeming unemployed population.
He added that it will also help ease the strain on our currency, steady exchange rates, and rein in inflationary pressures driven by high food costs.
He stated, “Today, I was one of the panellists at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 held in the Rwandan capital, Kigali. At the session, I reiterated my long-held position that food insecurity in Africa is intrinsically linked to human insecurity.
“Using Nigeria as an example, I emphasised that solving food insecurity is a major path to general security in the country. By investing in agriculture and food-related productivity, Nigeria will not only be addressing hunger but will also create huge job opportunities for the teeming unemployed population, especially the youths in their productive age.
“Reducing reliance on food imports will help ease the strain on our currency, steady exchange rates, and rein in inflationary pressures driven by high food costs.
“To further elucidate the untapped potential in our food production chain, Bangladesh, with approximately 148,000 square kilometres less than 1/6th of Nigeria’s about 923,768 square kilometres, produces 35-40 million tonnes of rice annually.
“In contrast, Nigeria produces only 3-4 million tons of rice, which is roughly 10% of Bangladesh’s rice production. This disparity which is similar to the African situation highlights the untapped potential of Africa’s agricultural sector and underscores the need for investment.
“Food insecurity, if addressed properly in Africa, can be a catalyst for enhancing human security and promoting overall development. With significant investments in agriculture and food systems, we can create jobs, reduce poverty, and tackle hunger simultaneously. We can even feed basic food processing industries and thus create even more jobs.
“By focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and value-chain improvements, we cannot only ensure food but also empower communities and promote economic growth, leading to a more prosperous and secure Africa.
“We must prioritize food security to unlock the continent’s potential and address the pressing issues of human insecurity. An Africa that feeds itself is at the centre of our aspiration.”
