he House of Representatives will join the battle against the food crisis through strategic laws, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas said yesterday.
Speaking at a news conference attended by Deputy Speaker Bejamen Kalu and other principal officers, Abbas called for patience and assured that the lawmakers would stand by Nigerians.
According to him, the House feels the effects of inflation that has resulted in high food prices.
It is also not oblivious to the worsening insecurity, he said.
“It is precisely in times like these that our true strength as a nation is revealed.
“Our resilience, unity, and indomitable spirit have seen us through difficult times before.
“I have no doubt that these qualities will carry us through again,” the Speaker said.
The House, Abbas assured, would support the executive’s efforts to address the problems through legislative interventions.
He said: “We in the National Assembly have supported and will continue to support the government’s efforts in finding effective solutions to these challenges.
“I wish to reassure all Nigerians that the House will prioritise funding for programmes and initiatives to alleviate hunger and enhance security.
“We are fully committed to supporting policies that will stimulate our economy, provide relief, and ensure relief is felt in every home.
“In addition to promoting security so that farmers can feel safe to return to their farms, the House will support import and export policies that stabilise food prices and ensure adequate supply of essential food items at affordable rates, especially for our constituents living in rural areas.
“We also propose enacting legislation to enable swift government response to tackle food shortages, including emergency food aid and support for affected populations.”
The Speaker assured that the Bola Tinubu Administration was working hard to address the challenges.
He stressed that the policies are designed to stimulate the economy, encourage investment, and create jobs.
Abbas said: “To those affected by the scourge of insecurity, I want you to know that your government hears you loud and clear.
“We are taking decisive steps to address the root causes of this menace, deploying both military and diplomatic resources to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.
“It is a complex challenge, one that requires patience and time to resolve, but I assure you that we are making progress.”
The Speaker noted that President Tinubu has demonstrated a willingness to battle insecurity by approving the acquisition of the T-129 ATAK helicopter and the King Air 360i aircraft for the Nigeria Air Force.
He urged the President not to hesitate in making changes where needed.
Abbas said: “The acquisition of these state-of-the-art aircraft indicates the government’s dedication to investing in the security infrastructure of our nation.
