Why food should become human right in nigerias constitution

What a timely and important question! Ensuring access to food as a human right is a crucial step towards addressing poverty, hunger, and malnutrition in Nigeria. Here are some compelling reasons why food should become a human right in Nigeria's constitution:

1. Right to Life: The right to food is closely linked to the right to life. Without access to nutritious food, people are more likely to suffer from malnutrition, which can lead to stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and even death. By recognizing food as a human right, Nigeria can ensure that its citizens have the necessary resources to live a healthy and dignified life.
2. Poverty Reduction: Hunger and malnutrition are significant contributors to poverty in Nigeria. By ensuring access to food, the government can help reduce poverty and inequality, as everyone has the opportunity to access the resources they need to thrive.
3. Food Security: Nigeria is a food-insecure country, with many people struggling to access sufficient and nutritious food. Recognizing food as a human right can help the government prioritize food security, ensuring that everyone has access to a stable and reliable food supply.
4. Health and Well-being: Food is essential for maintaining good health and well-being. Malnutrition can lead to a range of health problems, including stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and increased risk of diseases. By ensuring access to nutritious food, Nigeria can improve the overall health and well-being of its citizens.
5. Social Justice: Recognizing food as a human right is a matter of social justice. It acknowledges that everyone deserves access to the resources they need to live a dignified life, regardless of their social, economic, or political status.
6. Economic Benefits: Ensuring access to food can have significant economic benefits. When people have access to nutritious food, they are more likely to be productive, attend school, and participate in the workforce, which can lead to increased economic growth and development.
7. International Obligations: Nigeria has ratified several international human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), which recognizes the right to an adequate standard of living, including food. By recognizing food as a human right in its constitution, Nigeria can demonstrate its commitment to upholding its international obligations.
8. Accountability: Recognizing food as a human right can hold the government accountable for ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need to live a healthy and dignified life. This can lead to increased transparency and accountability in the allocation of resources and the implementation of policies.
9. Empowerment: By recognizing food as a human right, Nigeria can empower its citizens, particularly women and children, who are often the most vulnerable to food insecurity and malnutrition. This can lead to increased participation in decision-making processes and a greater sense of ownership and control over their lives.
10. Sustainable Development: Ensuring access to food is essential for achieving sustainable development in Nigeria. By recognizing food as a human right, the government can prioritize sustainable agriculture, food systems, and nutrition policies, which can help reduce poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.

In conclusion, recognizing food as a human right in Nigeria's constitution is a crucial step towards addressing poverty, hunger, and malnutrition in the country. It can help ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need to live a healthy and dignified life, and can contribute to sustainable development, social justice, and economic growth.