Nigerian Senator Jimoh Ibrahim has unveiled a groundbreaking plan to tackle hunger in the country.
The senator from Ondo State has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Ministry of Finance to implement a food voucher system.
This innovative initiative aims to provide direct support to approximately 20 million Nigerians struggling with food insecurity, according to Politics Nigeria.
By consolidating existing palliative funds, the vouchers would help reduce poverty, stabilize the naira, and curb inflation.
According to Senator Ibrahim, the system’s design ensures funds reach intended beneficiaries directly, bypassing intermediaries like state governments and minimizing corruption.
The vouchers would be used instead of cash, providing a more targeted and effective approach to addressing hunger.
The proposed system would provide monthly support of N100,000 to individuals above 18 years old affected by food insecurity and poverty.
This initiative prioritizes the most vulnerable populations and addresses a critical aspect of Nigeria’s development.
Nigeria faces significant food security challenges, with millions experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity. Senator Ibrahim’s proposal offers a promising solution to alleviate hunger and aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger.
The implementation of this food voucher system would mark a significant step towards addressing Nigeria’s food security concerns and promoting economic stability.
He said, “It will reduce inflation because you are using vouchers as opposed to using cash.
“This is a harmonious policy, and when it’s done, it will help the government to have a direct impact on those who are affected by poverty and food insecurity. So, vouchers for food is very significant.
“Imagine you give N100,000 per month to anybody above 18 years that is really affected by food insecurity and poverty, you see every month they draw down on this in the first one year. It makes more sense than some palliatives that have to do with solar power and things like that.
“It’s very important because when you don’t solve the problem of food and hunger, then you are looking for crisis. This is why we are saying that the economic policy of the central bank and the ministry of finance should be harmonised, and then we can have a clear account to print vouchers for food.”
