Reps Call on FG to Coordinate Poverty Reduction Programmes

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to tackle poverty more effectively by coordinating and harmonising the implementation of various poverty reduction programmes across the country.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Yobe State lawmaker Mrs. Khadija Ibrahim during Thursday’s plenary session.

Recent estimates indicate that about 139 million Nigerians, or 61 per cent of the population, live below the national poverty line. Projections suggest this could rise to 141 million by 2026 due to economic pressures such as inflation and slow growth. The country is also facing severe food insecurity, with the United Nations World Food Programme projecting that 35 million Nigerians will experience acute food insecurity in 2026—the highest in Africa.

Highlighting the challenges faced by vulnerable groups, Ibrahim said, “Millions of Nigerians cannot afford basic food items and essential services, worsening food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among women, children, the elderly, and internally displaced persons.”

She emphasised that the North-East, a predominantly agrarian region, is the most affected. “For several years, farming activities were severely disrupted due to insurgency, displacement of rural populations, destruction of farmlands, and loss of productive assets,” she said. While security has improved in the region, many farmers remain unable to resume full agricultural activities due to limited access to inputs, financing, extension services, irrigation facilities, storage, and other infrastructure needed for agricultural recovery.

Ibrahim warned that failing to fully reintegrate displaced farmers into recovery programmes could deepen poverty and hunger, heighten dependency, and negatively impact national food security, economic stability, and peace-building efforts.

Following the motion’s adoption, the House urged President Bola Tinubu’s government to strengthen and harmonise national initiatives on poverty reduction, food security, and post-conflict agricultural recovery, with particular focus on agrarian communities affected by insecurity.

The House also directed the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with relevant ministries, departments, and agencies, to fully integrate North-East farmers into ongoing recovery programmes. Recommended measures include timely access to farm inputs, credit support, extension services, mechanisation, irrigation, storage, and value-chain development to restore livelihoods and boost food production.

Additionally, relevant House committees were tasked with intensifying oversight on agricultural recovery, poverty alleviation, and food security interventions, especially in conflict-affected areas, and reporting back to the House for further legislative action.