Senator Jimoh Ibrahim calls for food vouchers to address hunger in Nigeria
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South, has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Ministry of Finance to introduce food vouchers as a strategic measure to combat hunger and reduce poverty across the nation.
Ibrahim presented his proposal during a news conference in Washington, D.C., attended by key officials, including Olayemi Cardoso, CBN governor, and Wale Edun, finance minister. He suggested that funding for the food voucher program could be sourced by consolidating existing palliative accounts.
According to the senator, implementing food vouchers could alleviate poverty, stabilize the naira, and help lift 20 million Nigerians out of hunger and food insecurity.
“It will reduce inflation because you are using vouchers as opposed to using cash,” Ibrahim explained. He described the voucher system as a direct approach that would allow the government to make a meaningful impact on individuals struggling with poverty and food insecurity.
In outlining his vision, Ibrahim proposed that Nigerians affected by food insecurity receive N100,000 monthly for the first year. “Imagine providing N100,000 per month to those above 18 who are deeply impacted by food insecurity. This approach is more effective than palliative measures like solar power and similar initiatives,” he said.
He emphasized the urgency of addressing hunger to prevent potential social crises, calling for a unified approach from the central bank and finance ministry to implement a food voucher program.
“When food and hunger issues are left unaddressed, the risk of crisis rises,” he stated. “By harmonizing economic policies, we can create a clear pathway to support Nigerians directly through food vouchers.”
Ibrahim also highlighted the potential of this initiative to curb corruption often linked to palliative programs, arguing that bypassing state governments in the distribution of vouchers would ensure more transparent aid delivery.
Nigeria has witnessed a series of protests in response to food insecurity, with the recent #EndHunger demonstration in June spotlighting widespread hunger.
Earlier this year, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar also expressed concern over rising poverty and hunger, noting their contribution to insecurity across the country.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF), at its recent annual meetings, advised the Nigerian government to allocate savings from the removal of petrol subsidies towards supporting vulnerable households amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.
