From Hunger to Human Right: Nigeria's Groundbreaking Journey to Food Security
- Iyinoluwa Ayoola
- Aug 24
- 3 min read
Hello everyone, and welcome to the Policy Observatory Blog! Today, we're diving into a significant development in Nigeria's agricultural and development landscape: the National Campaign on Right to Food in Nigeria, spearheaded by the Farm and Infrastructure Foundation (FIF).
Food is essential for survival, but in Nigeria, it is now officially recognized not just as a need but as a fundamental human right. This powerful message is encapsulated in the Right to Food Act (No. 34 of 2023), a landmark achievement that has been years in the making.
Why a "Right to Food"?
The FIF, founded by Professor G. B. Ayoola, believes that the persistent problem of food insecurity in Nigeria isn't due to a lack of technology but rather a failure in our policies and their implementation. For too long, issues like a lack of accountability, political instability, corruption, and weak governance have created a system where agricultural policies often fail without consequence.
The Right to Food Act aims to change this by introducing policy responsibility and accountability. It ensures that when policies related to food security are made, they are effectively followed through, with consequences for those who fail to uphold them. As the saying goes, "Although technology matters, policy matters even more.”
A Long and Winding Road
The journey to this Act has been long, involving persistent advocacy and legislative efforts. The campaign began in 2007, with the vision of making food a constitutional right. Over the years, this vision was translated into legislative bills, submitted to the National Assembly, and repeatedly presented.
From 2010 through various assemblies, the bill faced numerous hurdles, including rejections and failures at different stages. However, the FIF, led by Professor Ayoola, persevered. The breakthrough came during the 9th Assembly (2019-2023), when the bill finally passed through all readings and committee stages, receiving overwhelming approval from both the Senate and the House of Representatives in March 2022.
The next crucial step was to gain the concurrence of the states. Thanks to vigorous advocacy, by December 2022, 27 out of 36 states had voted in favor of the bill, paving the way for President Muhammadu Buhari to officially sign it into law in March 2023, marking a monumental victory for food security in Nigeria.
What Does the Act Mean for Nigerians?
The Right to Food Act (No. 34 of 2023) fundamentally changes the government's role. It legally obligates the government to:
Respect the right to food: This means not taking actions that would negatively impact people's access to food.
Protect the right to food: This involves preventing third parties (like corporations) from interfering with people's right to food.
Fulfill the right to food: This is the most proactive part, requiring the government to take positive steps to ensure food security for all, especially those who are vulnerable.
Crucially, any proven violation, contravention, or gross abuse of this right is now legally punishable.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Implementation
While the passage of the Act is a tremendous achievement, the real work of implementation is just beginning. The FIF has a clear plan for the future, focusing on:
Raising awareness: Ensuring everyone understands the Act and their rights.
Building capacity: Training professionals to effectively implement the Act.
Monitoring and accountability: Auditing actions that could violate the right to food and pursuing legal recourse where necessary.
Legislative action: Proposing further amendments to strengthen the legal framework.
A Call to Action
The establishment of the Right to Food Act is a testament to the power of persistent advocacy and a clear vision. It's a crucial step towards a Nigeria where every citizen can enjoy the basic human right to food, leading to a more dignified and prosperous life.
As Professor Ayoola wisely stated, "Although technology matters, policy matters even more.” Now, with this powerful policy in place, it's time for all stakeholders to work together to ensure its effective implementation.
What are your thoughts on the Right to Food Act? Share your comments below!