The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has sounded the alarm over the escalating smuggling of agricultural produce from Nigeria to neighboring countries, warning that it poses a grave threat to the nation's food security and sovereignty.

This urgent call to action comes in response to recent revelations by Abdulrahaman Abdulrazaq, governor of Kwara State, who disclosed that Nigeria's food is being exploited as a trading commodity due to the significant disparity in currency value between the Naira and the West African CFA.

According to Abdulrahaman Abdulrazaq, governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, "We have noted that food in Nigeria is the cheapest in West Africa and our neighbors are using our food to trade. They are taking our soya bean and other stuffs to make foreign exchange for themselves."

HURIWA revealed that Abdulrazaq emphasized the utilization of Nigerian food as a trading commodity by neighboring countries, highlighting the disparity in currency value between the West African CFA and the Nigerian Naira.

Reacting in a press statement, on Tuesday, HURIWA strongly condemned what it perceives as a systemic failure within Nigeria's immigration and border security apparatus, allowing for the unchecked smuggling of vital food resources.

The organization asserted that this illicit trade not only deprives Nigerian citizens of essential food items but also exacerbates food scarcity and inflation within the nation. As a human rights advocacy group deeply committed to the welfare of Nigerians, HURIWA expressed profound concern about the detrimental impact of this illicit trade on vulnerable segments of the population.

“The porous state of Nigeria's borders has become a glaring vulnerability, undermining the government's ability to uphold national territorial integrity. We emphasize that a nation unable to secure its borders compromises its sovereignty and risks being classified as a failed state. Nigeria's porous borders have become conduits for various illegal activities, including smuggling, human trafficking, and arms proliferation, posing significant threats to national security and stability”, stated HURIWA.

In response to these alarming developments, HURIWA reiterated its longstanding call for immediate action to fortify Nigeria's borders, particularly the porous areas vulnerable to illicit activities. The association advocated for the implementation of comprehensive measures, including physical barriers and technological surveillance systems, to effectively monitor and control border movements, stressing that securing the nation's borders is essential not only for preventing external threats but also for curbing internal disruptions and safeguarding the well-being of Nigerian citizens.

Moreover, HURIWA underscored that food security is a fundamental human right, and the government must ensure that every citizen has access to adequate and affordable food supplies. “The rampant smuggling of agricultural produce not only undermines this right but also perpetuates economic disparities and exacerbates social inequalities. We call on the government to prioritize the protection of food sovereignty and implement policies that promote domestic agricultural production and distribution”.

In conclusion, HURIWA urged the Nigerian government to take decisive action to address the systemic challenges undermining the nation's food security and sovereignty. The association further called for increased investment in border security infrastructure, enhanced collaboration with neighboring countries to combat cross-border crimes and the strict enforcement of laws against smuggling and illicit trade.

“HURIWA stands ready to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to advocate for policies and initiatives that prioritize the welfare and rights of all Nigerians. The need to secure Nigeria's borders and protect its agricultural resources is paramount.

“As a nation with abundant agricultural potential, Nigeria must harness its resources for the benefit of its citizens rather than allowing them to be exploited for profit by neighboring countries”, HURIWA emphasized, noting the urgency of addressing these pressing issues to ensure the well-being and security of all Nigerians.

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