President Tinubu’s decision to deploy N115 billion for the purchase and distribution of foodstuffs is well-intentioned but flawed. Short-term handouts are not the solution to Nigeria’s hunger crisis. Instead, the government should focus on revitalizing the agricultural sector, enhancing the capabilities of the Bank of Agriculture, and fostering cooperation between relevant agencies.

Addressing the issue of open grazing through ranching and state policing is also crucial. By adopting these pragmatic approaches, Nigeria can achieve sustainable food security and improve the overall well-being of its citizens.

Distributing food and cash to states through governors, as seen in previous efforts, has not yielded significant or sustainable results. The fundamental issue lies in the nature of these handouts—they are temporary fixes that do not address the root causes of hunger and poverty. Once the distributed food is consumed, the underlying problems remain unchanged.

Rather than focusing on occasional handouts, the Federal Government should adopt a more pragmatic approach to tackle the unprecedented hunger and suffering in the country. This calls for a shift in focus from short-term relief to long-term solutions aimed at boosting productivity and ensuring food security.

The agricultural sector remains a critical area that, if properly harnessed, can yield substantial benefits. To achieve meaningful transformation, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture must undergo significant reforms. This involves not only restructuring the ministry but also implementing innovative programs and schemes that can drive productivity and sustainability. I don’t think this current minister of Agriculture have intellectual capacity to drive home the reforms needed to overcome the hunger crisis in our country.

The Bank of Agriculture, BOA, plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities. However, it appears that the bank has deviated from its mandate. The Federal Government should take steps to enhance the operational and financial capabilities of the BOA, ensuring it can effectively support farmers and agribusinesses. By providing adequate funding and resources, the BOA can help stimulate agricultural production and contribute to national food security.

The National Directorate of Employment, NDE, is another government agency that requires immediate attention. By creating synergy between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the BOA, and the NDE, the government can foster a collaborative approach to address food security. Such cooperation can lead to the implementation of comprehensive programs that not only boost food production but also create employment opportunities, thereby reducing poverty and hunger.

One of the significant challenges facing agricultural productivity in Nigeria is the issue of open grazing. The practice of open grazing often leads to conflicts between farmers and herders, resulting in the destruction of crops and loss of livestock. Prohibiting open grazing and promoting ranching as an alternative can mitigate these conflicts and enhance agricultural productivity. Furthermore, implementing state policing can help enforce laws and regulations related to grazing, ensuring a peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

Ranching offers a sustainable solution to the problem of open grazing. By establishing ranches, herders can raise their livestock in controlled environments, reducing the risk of conflicts with farmers. Additionally, state policing can play a crucial role in maintaining law and order, ensuring that innovative agricultural initiatives are implemented smoothly.

As President Tinubu enters the second year of his tenure, there is an urgent need for pragmatic and sustainable solutions to the issues of hunger and food insecurity. The stewardship report by May next year will likely reflect the success or failure of the current administration’s policies. To avoid a disappointing outcome, the government must prioritize long-term strategies that address the root causes of hunger and promote agricultural productivity.