Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2027, voiced serious concerns on Saturday regarding a recent warning from the United Nations about an alarming food crisis in Northern Nigeria. Obi emphasized the need for immediate government action to mitigate the worsening situation.
In a message shared on his X account, the former Anambra governor described the crisis as particularly troubling given that Northern Nigeria has historically been a key food-producing area. He advocated for more effective policy implementation to tackle the rising humanitarian challenges.
Obi urged both the Federal and state governments to invest proactively in agricultural corridors, while also providing smallholder farmers with the necessary resources to thrive. He suggested that close collaboration with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and other development partners is crucial to address funding shortfalls and prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
According to the latest WFP assessment, over 17 million individuals in nine northern states are currently experiencing crisis-level hunger, with an alarming estimate of more than 35 million Nigerians nationwide potentially at risk during the lean season. Reports indicate that more than 10,000 residents in Borno have reached what humanitarian organizations classify as ‘catastrophic hunger conditions.’
Obi highlighted that insecurity, including banditry and insurgency, significantly hampers farmers’ access to their lands, presenting a major barrier to agricultural productivity. He called for enhanced security measures in farming communities and greater investment in rural infrastructure and agricultural enhancement.
Furthermore, he urged policymakers to focus on production-driven economic strategies, aimed at expanding cultivated land and boosting agro-industrial activities. Obi stressed that Nigeria has the necessary resources and agricultural potential to significantly alleviate hunger and poverty if proper actions are taken. He believes that a Nigeria devoid of widespread hunger and mass poverty is achievable if leaders prioritize the welfare and livelihoods of citizens in their decision-making.
