Human rights activist and former United Nations Rapporteur on Human Trafficking, Professor Joy Ngozi Ezilo, has said many Nigerians do not have the right to food.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mrs. Ngozi Ezilo, said efforts must be made to address the growing poverty caused by continuous rising inflation.

She stated this on Tuesday in marking the 2024 Human Rights Day. Professor Ezilo said the year’s theme, ‘Equality for All: Reducing Inequality and Advancing Human Rights’, should be a wake-up call for all to close growing inequalities.

“The right to food, which is essential for survival and development, continues to elude many Nigerians. The right to life loses its significance without the means to secure a decent livelihood.

“As we reflect on this theme, we must consider how to achieve it in the face of growing inequalities and extreme poverty exacerbated by unchecked inflation.

“Let us promote, protect, respect, enforce, and fulfill our human rights together. Stand up for your rights. Without unwavering demand and solidarity by citizens, there will be no accountability.,” she said.

An Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Mrs. Ezilo further called for action against corruption which is blamed for the country’s underdevelopment.

“I have been asked whether corruption violates human rights. My answer is a resounding yes. Corruption is both a cause and a consequence of underdevelopment, a burden of foreign debts, hopelessness, unmet justice needs, huge youth unemployment, social and economic exclusion, conflicts, and insecurity, which threaten human dignity, basic human rights, and survival,” she added.