AGS NEWS – The Senate has called upon the Federal Government to introduce a food stamps programme as a strategy to mitigate the impact of hunger and food scarcity in the nation.

This resolution also includes urging the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to collaborate with development partners and relevant stakeholders, notably the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, which previously initiated the Temporary Food Assistance Programme.

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The food stamps initiative, akin to a supplemental nutrition assistance programme, aims to provide food-purchasing aid for individuals with low or no income to ensure they can maintain adequate nutrition and health.

This decision was reached following a motion sponsored by Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume, and co-sponsored by Senator Saliu Mustapha, during a plenary session.

Senator Ndume highlighted the concerning projections of food insecurity in Nigeria, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts, climate change impacts, inflation, and rising food costs.

He emphasized the urgency of addressing the plight of hungry Nigerians, noting the effectiveness of food stamp programmes in other countries like the United States, which have been in place since 1933.

Senator Abba Moro, the Senate Minority Leader, supported the motion, underscoring the timeliness of such intervention in addressing vulnerability.

Senator Sadiq Umar emphasized the importance of ensuring the targeted distribution of food stamps to those in need.

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Senator Solomon Adeola, echoing the sentiment, highlighted the significance of food stamps alongside financial aid for the vulnerable.

Senator Sani Musa emphasized the motion’s importance in achieving food security.