On World Food Day, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has highlighted the urgent need for action against hunger and food insecurity in Nigeria.
In a statement shared on his X-handle on Wednesday, he expressed deep concern over skyrocketing food prices that have rendered basic sustenance unaffordable for many households.
Obi pointed out that severe hunger has become increasingly common in Nigeria, despite its vast agricultural potential. Citing a recent World Bank report, he noted that Nigeria’s food security challenges now resemble those in war-torn countries like Yemen, with over 31.8 million Nigerians facing acute food shortages.
The former governor of Anambra State emphasized that food inflation in Nigeria is among the highest globally, reaching 37.5% year-on-year as of August 2024. He warned that without significant intervention, projections indicate that 82 million Nigerians—approximately 64% of the population—may face hunger by 2030.
He reiterated his belief in the necessity of transitioning Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy to a production-oriented one. Obi called for intentional investments in agriculture and modern farming practices to harness the country’s uncultivated lands.
Drawing a stark comparison with countries like the Netherlands, which exports over $100 billion in agricultural products annually, Obi urged the government to prioritize agricultural development, particularly in northern states, to ensure food security for all.
In closing, Obi expressed his commitment to a prosperous future for Nigeria, stating, “A nation booming in productivity, free from hunger, with an abundant food supply remains our commitment to a New more prosperous Nigeria. It is possible!”
Obi’s statement resonates amid the worsening food crisis, urging stakeholders to prioritize food security as a crucial national imperative.