A group, Civil Society for Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), has urged the National Assembly to ensure the speedy passage of the bill on Right to Food in Nigeria, to ensure food availability.

Mr Salaudeen Hashim, the Programme Manager of the Centre, made the call on Tuesday during an advocacy visit to the Speaker and members of the Plateau House of Assembly in Jos.

According to him, the bill, which has passed the second reading at the National Assembly, requires accelerated passage into law.

Hashim said that the bill would soon be sent to the 36 Houses of Assembly in the country for their inputs.

“Mr Speaker, we are here today to intimate you and seek your support for the speedy passage of the bill on Right to food.

“It is the absence of food that has made vices like kidnapping, robbery, killings and others to be on the increase in our society.

“So, we urge this honourable assembly to give the bill an accelerated passage by the time it comes,” he urged.

Hashim advised the Plateau Assembly to initiate and enact laws that would promote food security in the state.

Responding, the Speaker, Mr Joshua Madaki, said that the House would not tarry in giving the bill its approval when received.

According to him, the right to food comes after right to life; hence, it would support the bill in its entirety, to guard against starvation in the country.

“With the alarming increase in population, right to food security in Nigeria is key, because it comes just after right to life.

“We shall not allow starvation to kill our people, and so, I assure you that once this bill gets to us, we will be among the first to support it,” the lawmaker said. (NAN)

– Aug. 14, 2018 @ 15:29 GMT |