Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has raised concerns over the worsening food crisis in Nigeria, describing hunger as a “household crisis” afflicting many across the country.
In a post to mark World Food Day, Obi lamented the skyrocketing prices of essential food items, which have become unaffordable for many Nigerian families.
“The food crisis in Nigeria is disheartening,” Obi stated. “Severe hunger has now become an unfortunate member of many households in Nigeria—the once giant of Africa, a nation with the most arable land on the continent.”
Obi, who contested in the 2023 presidential elections as the Labour Party’s candidate, highlighted Nigeria’s decline in food security, noting that the nation is now ranked among the 20 most food-insecure countries globally.
He expressed concern over the World Bank’s recent report, which compared Nigeria’s situation to war-torn countries like Yemen.
Obi said, “Food prices are soaring, food inflation is rising, the food crisis is worsening by the day, and hunger has escalated into a national emergency.”
The former governor stressed the need to shift Nigeria’s focus from consumption to production, arguing that the country’s vast agricultural potential remains untapped.
“A state like Niger, which is twice the size of the Netherlands, is unable to feed itself or the nation, while the Netherlands exports over $100 billion worth of agricultural products annually,” he added.
Obi emphasised that addressing insecurity and investing in modern farming techniques are critical to combating the crisis.
“A productive nation, free from hunger, with an abundant food supply remains our vision for a new, more prosperous Nigeria,” he concluded.
