RismadarVoice Reporters
June 22, 2026
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling food insecurity and malnutrition through strategic policy backing and increased budgetary provisions, disclosing that ₦9.6 billion has been earmarked for food security and nutrition programmes in the 2026 fiscal year.
Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Hon. Moses Essien, gave the assurance when he received a delegation from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations on an advocacy visit to the Assembly at the Speaker’s Office, Luton Park Hotel.
Essien said the Assembly remains committed to strengthening interventions aimed at improving food availability, affordability, and nutrition across the state, noting that the financial allocation reflects the government’s determination to address hunger and malnutrition.
He stated that the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has consistently supported policies and programmes designed to improve food systems, adding that collaboration with development partners such as FAO would further enhance ongoing efforts.
According to him, the visit by FAO underscores the importance of institutionalising Nutrition and Food Security Committees across all State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria to strengthen legislative oversight and policy implementation in the sector.
The lawmaker also assured that the state government continues to support vulnerable populations through various food intervention programmes aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship.
He, however, called for increased vigilance against the circulation of genetically modified organism (GMO)-contaminated food products in rural communities, stressing the need to safeguard public health and ensure food safety standards.
Earlier, FAO Legal Consultant to the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Barr. Sylvia Okpo, said the visit was part of an assessment exercise designed to evaluate food security interventions and government support in the state.
She explained that the findings would help identify gaps and strengthen ongoing nutrition and food security programmes.
