FG’s Economic Reforms Should Address Food Insecurity – Group

A civil society group, South West East North of Nigeria Coordination Initiative (SOWENON) has said despite President Bola Tinubu’s administration introduction of several policies and programmes aimed at improving the economy, the results were yet to be felt by the people.

Its national coordinator, Dr Sam Jenfa, said it remains difficult for many citizens to recognise these gains because of the severe poverty and hardship affecting large segments of the population.

He said, “Many Nigerians continue to endure conditions that test the limits of human endurance. Economic reforms may offer long-term benefits, but their impact will remain difficult to appreciate if immediate concerns such as hunger, unemployment and rising living costs are not adequately addressed.”

He said despite its challenges, Nigeria remains one of Africa’s leading economies. The country ranks among the world’s largest economies by nominal GDP and holds a strong position in Africa in terms of purchasing power and economic potential.

“As a nation, we must condemn banditry and hold accountable those who sponsor violence and instability. Above all, we must prioritise love, peace, unity and national development. If we truly believe in the greatness of Nigeria, then we must work together to restore hope and build a future that benefits all citizens,” Jenfa added.

While there are encouraging signs of progress through infrastructure development, security improvements and foreign investment initiatives, the realities of poverty and food insecurity cannot be ignored, he saaid, adding that “the true measure of economic success will not be found in statistics alone but in the ability of ordinary Nigerians to live with dignity, security, and hope.”

The national coordinator, SOWENON, also called on the federal government to address the worsening food security challenge in the country, adding that the government should provide more empowerment schemes for farmers and those in the Agricultural value chain. He explained that, due to growing food stress, there is an urgent need for the government at all levels to address the declining agricultural productivity.

“Adly, the situation remains critical. Many citizens continue to suffer from hunger, malnutrition, and poor health conditions caused by food insecurity,” he stated.

While the government has invested in infrastructure development, it is difficult for ordinary Nigerians to appreciate these achievements when the daily struggle for food dominates their lives. Hunger remains a powerful and pressing reality for millions of households across the country.

According to him, one of the concerns facing the administration is the quality of advice being provided to the President.

“Some advisers appear determined to paint a picture of economic prosperity, suggesting that all is well. However, the experiences of many Nigerians tell a different story. The reality of rising living costs, unemployment, and food insecurity indicates that significant challenges still exist. Jenfa, however, stated that policymakers should be willing to confront these realities honestly if meaningful solutions are to be achieved.

According to him, despite the economic difficulties, the Tinubu administration has recorded some important successes in the area of security, notably, the successful rescue of kidnapped students and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and across the country by Nigerian security agencies.

He said improved security will encourage farmers to return to their fields and restore agricultural production.

However, security alone is not enough. Farmers also require access to affordable finance, modern equipment, and government support to improve productivity and increase food supply .J enfa said the government’s efforts to reshape the economy through infrastructure investment deserve recognition. One major project is the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Railway.

This strategic transportation corridor will strengthen intercity connectivity, linking the Atlantic port city of Lagos to Kano through Abuja, the nation’s capital “The railway is expected to promote trade, reduce transportation costs, facilitate the movement of goods and people, and create new business opportunities across the country,” he concluded.