By Esther Onyegbula

Former member of the House of Representatives representing Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency 2 Lagos state, Honourable Engineer Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson, has weighed in on pressing national issues, expressing cautious optimism over Nigeria’s security outlook, defending aspects of the amended Electoral Act and identifying agricultural expansion as the most viable pathway to addressing poverty and food inflation.

Johnson, who spoke against the backdrop of rising economic hardship and security concerns in parts of the country, said while Nigerians are facing genuine challenges, sustained reforms and strategic international partnerships could gradually stabilise the situation.

On insecurity, he acknowledged the gravity of the threat but argued that the current administration has made measurable efforts through strengthened collaboration and enhanced military capacity.

“Insecurity cannot be eliminated overnight. What is required is sustained synergy, improved intelligence and better equipment. If government continues to strengthen partnerships and security architecture, banditry and violent crimes can be curtailed over time,” he said.

He added that security interventions must be consistent and well-coordinated to prevent criminal activities from spreading across regions.

Addressing widespread concerns over poverty and hunger, Johnson described food insecurity as the most urgent socio-economic challenge confronting ordinary Nigerians.

“People are hungry, and hunger drives desperation. Temporary relief measures like food distribution may cushion hardship, but they are not permanent solutions. The real solution lies in massive investment in agriculture,” he stated.

According to him, mechanised farming, improved seedlings, modern farming equipment and structured partnerships with foreign agricultural experts could significantly increase food production.

“When we achieve surplus production, prices will naturally drop. But agriculture has a gestation period. It takes months from planting to harvest. Nigerians must understand that reforms in that sector require time before the impact becomes visible,” he said.

Johnson also weighed in on the controversy surrounding the amendment of the Electoral Act, particularly debates over electronic transmission of results.

He argued that while electronic transmission enhances transparency, practical realities such as network limitations in certain rural areas must be considered.

“Where network infrastructure permits, electronic transmission should be used. However, in areas without stable connectivity, manual alternatives may be necessary to ensure that citizens are not disenfranchised,” he said.

He further noted that budgetary allocations do not always translate into immediate cash-backed implementation, urging Nigerians to differentiate between projected figures and available funds.

On governance generally, Johnson called for patience, policy continuity and collective responsibility, stressing that economic recovery and institutional reforms require time to mature.

“Nigeria’s challenges are structural and accumulated over years. Sustainable solutions demand consistency, discipline and collaboration across sectors,” he added.

While maintaining optimism that ongoing reforms would yield results, the former lawmaker emphasised that government must remain responsive to the realities faced by citizens, particularly in areas of food security, job creation and public safety.