Rice from Kebbi
The Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi has expressed concern over a recent United Nations warning about a worsening food crisis in northern Nigeria, calling for urgent government action to prevent further deterioration.
In a statement posted on his X account on Friday, Obi said the situation was particularly troubling because northern Nigeria has long been regarded as the country’s food-producing region. He argued that stronger leadership and better policy implementation were needed to address the growing humanitarian challenge.
Obi urged the Federal Government and state governments to make what he described as transparent and upfront investments in securing agricultural corridors, supporting smallholder farmers with accessible resources, and working closely with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and other partners to close funding gaps before the crisis escalates further.
Citing the WFP’s latest assessment, Obi said more than 17 million people across nine northern states were facing crisis-level hunger, while over 35 million Nigerians nationwide could be at risk during the current lean season. He also highlighted reports that more than 10,000 residents of Borno State had entered what humanitarian agencies classify as catastrophic hunger conditions.
According to Obi, insecurity, including banditry and insurgency, has prevented many farmers from accessing their farmlands and remains a major obstacle to agricultural production. He called for improved security in farming communities and broader investments in rural infrastructure and agricultural productivity.
The former Anambra State governor further urged policymakers to prioritise production-driven economic policies aimed at expanding cultivated land and increasing agro-industrial output. He maintained that Nigeria has the resources and agricultural potential to significantly reduce hunger and poverty if appropriate measures are implemented.
Obi concluded by saying that a Nigeria free from widespread hunger and mass poverty remains achievable if leaders place the welfare and livelihoods of citizens at the centre of national decision-making.
