By Gabriel Ewepu
The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has called on the federal government to learn from the successful hunger eradication initiatives in Brazil and India as Nigerians continue to face escalating food prices. The NESG, through its Acting Head of Strategic Communication and Advocacy, Ayanyinka Ayanlowo, stated that the focus of the upcoming 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES #30) in Abuja will be on addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in the country and across Africa.
The 2023 Global Hunger Index shows that Africa is home to 8 of the 9 countries with severe hunger levels, posing a threat to economic stability. Tackling hunger is not only a moral imperative but also a crucial economic and social challenge for Nigeria. The summit will explore interventions such as improving agricultural productivity, enhancing food distribution systems, and supporting smallholder farmers.
The success stories of initiatives like Brazil’s ‘Fome Zero’ and India’s National Food Security Act highlight the potential for Nigeria to combat hunger through collaborative efforts with government, agricultural experts, development partners, and private sector stakeholders. By implementing policies to strengthen the agricultural sector, reduce post-harvest losses, and address climate change, Nigeria can strive towards a hunger-free future.
The theme of this year’s summit, ‘Collaborative Action for Growth, Competitiveness, and Stability,’ underscores the importance of collective action in achieving food security in Nigeria. By leveraging partnerships and innovative approaches, Nigeria can make significant progress in reducing hunger and malnutrition for a more prosperous future.
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