Nigeria’s Hunger Crisis: Peter Obi Calls For Urgent Action On World Food Day

ABUJA, NIGERIA –  Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate and a leading voice in Nigerian politics, has issued a stark warning about the escalating food crisis in Nigeria on World Food Day.

Obi, in a statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, highlighted the alarming statistics and described the situation as a “national crisis,” calling for immediate action to address the issue.

“Today, the world marks World Food Day, a day dedicated to fighting hunger and achieving food security,” Obi stated. “But here in Nigeria, the reality is far more grim. Food prices are soaring, and hunger has become a daily struggle for millions.”

Obi pointed to a recent World Bank report that likened Nigeria’s food insecurity to war-torn Yemen, with a dramatic rise in the number of people facing acute food shortages.

The Global Hunger Index also ranks Nigeria among the top 20 most hungry nations globally.

“These reports paint a grim picture, but the reality on the ground is even worse,” Obi stressed. “We are a nation blessed with vast arable land, yet we are struggling to feed ourselves.”

He underscored the need for increased investment in agriculture, particularly in the North, where vast swaths of land remain uncultivated.

“We must be intentional with our agricultural investments,” he emphasised. “A state like Niger, twice the size of the Netherlands, can’t feed itself, while the Netherlands exports over $100 billion worth of agro products annually. This is a stark reminder of the potential we have, and the urgency to unlock it.”

Obi proposed tackling insecurity, which has driven farmers away from their fields, and embracing modern mechanized farming techniques to boost agricultural production.

QqHe believes that addressing this crisis is key to achieving a “more prosperous Nigeria.”

“We have the potential to be a nation booming in productivity, free from hunger,” Obi declared. “It is possible! We must act now.”

Obi’s statement comes as a growing number of Nigerians face food insecurity and hunger. The removal of fuel subsidies has exacerbated the situation, with reports indicating that over 31 million Nigerians are struggling with acute food shortages.

World Food Day serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for Nigeria to address this critical issue.  Obi’s call for decisive action is resonating with many, who see his focus on agriculture and sustainable development as a potential path towards a more secure and prosperous future for the nation.