A proposed law to compel the Executive Arm of government to regulate prices of food and other items, in order to guarantee food security and lessen the economic hardship on majority of Nigerians, is underway in the House of Representatives.
The Bill seeking that regulation, as Exclusively obtained by wordpress-691024-2282346.cloudwaysapps.com, is entitled: “An Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to make provisions for Right to Food and Security in Nigeria”.
The Chief Whip of the House, Mohammed Monguno(APC-Borno), who is the sponsor of the instrument, seeks that Section 2(1)(a) Section 16 of the Principal Act (constitution) is altered by deleting in subsection 2(d) the words suitable and adequate food, appearing in lines 1-2”.
He seeks to amend the Act, by “inserting a new section 16(a)”, to read that “The State(Federal Government), shall direct its policy towards ensuring that: a means of production, conservation and distribution of food are upgraded and improved upon on a continuous basis.
“Strategies that guarantee food security of the nation in terms of availability, accessibility and affordability of food to the citizens are initiated, undertaken and implemented and adequate measures are provided to ensure that food security of the nation in terms of availability, accessibility and affordability of food to the citizens are initiated, undertaken and implemented, and adequate measures are provided to ensure that food security of the nation is not compromised by any individual, group or institution, while actions that enhance the sustainability of food security are promoted”.
The proposed law, states in section 33, that “Every person shall have a right to food, which shall be respected, protected and guaranteed by the State, and no one shall be deprived of food under any circumstances”.
Earlier on Wednesday, the House while adopting a motion, resolved to investigate the “immediate and remote causes” of rising inflation and cost of food items in the country.
The legislators also resolved to set up a meeting with critical stakeholders in the country to address the frightening rise in prices of goods.
The resolutions also include engagement with captains of industries, Trade Union Associations, Board of Directors, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and other promoters in the economic sector, on ways for drastic reduction in prices of goods and services in the country.
The House further noted that it’s opened to “any other strategies that can mitigate the effects of the current inflation in the country.”
These followed the adoption of a motion on matters of urgent public importance brought by Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka (APC-Ogun), calling attention to the “urgent need to investigate the skyrocketing prices of commodities, goods and services across the nation with a view to cushioning the impact on the citizens”
