Journalists in Abuja have been urged to play a crucial role in the implementation of Nigeria’s Right to Food Act by raising public awareness and holding the government accountable. This call was made during a media training session on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, themed ‘Enhancing Media Engagement for Food Security.’
Dr. Michael Terungwa David, Executive Director of Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), emphasized that laws are only as effective as their implementation, which requires public awareness and political will. He highlighted the necessity of media involvement in educating citizens about their right to food, stating that the law cannot be enforced without their engagement. He urged the president to prioritize the act’s implementation, noting that food security is a national security issue. According to him, relying on palliatives as a solution is unsustainable, as it perpetuates poverty and is often used for political gain. Instead, he called for government support for smallholder farmers, who are the backbone of national food production, rather than favouring large commercial farms that primarily focus on exports. Dr. David also stressed that the Right to Food Act holds both companies and individuals accountable for actions that undermine food security, including the misallocation of staple foods for non-essential uses.
Prof. Gbolagade Ayoola, Executive Director of Farm and Infrastructure Foundation, (FIF), underscored the government’s obligation to respect, protect, and fulfill the right to food. He asserted that failing to explicitly recognize food as a human right in policies constitutes a violation of the law. He further explained that public and private sector entities must be held accountable when they infringe on citizens’ access to food. According to him, policy plays a crucial role in tackling food insecurity, determining the success of technology and implementation efforts. He criticized the exploitation of fragile ecosystems and fisheries, warning that such violations threaten national food security and should be addressed under the Right to Food Act.
The training also featured a panel discussion moderated by Moojeed Abdulkareem of Premium Times, with journalists as participants and a of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID). The session also provided an opportunity for media professionals to exchange strategies on how to drive public engagement and advocacy for food security. Journalists were encouraged to amplify their reporting on the Right to Food Act, ensuring that the law translates into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
Click here to read related post
