Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, took to his X handle to share his concerns on World Food Day, a global event focused on raising awareness about hunger and food insecurity.
He emphasized that this observance holds particular significance for Nigeria, where rising food prices have made basic necessities unaffordable for many citizens.
Obi expressed his deep concern over the growing prevalence of hunger in Nigeria, once considered the “Giant of Africa” and blessed with the continent’s largest arable land. He lamented how food insecurity has become a common reality for millions of Nigerian households.
Reflecting on the past, Obi recalled how he once observed that Nigerian families spent most of their income on food alone, leaving little for savings or other essential needs. Today, he noted with heartbreak, many households can no longer even afford basic sustenance with their current income.
Highlighting the current situation, Obi noted that food prices and inflation continue to rise unchecked, plunging the nation deeper into a food crisis. He cited a recent World Bank Food Security Update, which shockingly compared Nigeria’s worsening situation to war-torn countries like Yemen. The report revealed a significant rise in acute food shortages, further compounded by insecurity and the recent removal of fuel subsidies.
According to the Global Hunger Index, Nigeria now ranks among the 20 hungriest nations globally. In August 2024, reports indicated that over 31.8 million Nigerians were suffering from severe food shortages, with 15.6 million children facing hunger. The United Nations predicts that if the government fails to act, 82 million Nigerians—about 64% of the population—could be at risk of hunger by 2030.
Obi pointed out that Nigeria’s domestic food inflation remains among the highest in the world, with prices having surged by 37.5% year-on-year as of August 2024. He emphasized that these reports, though troubling, still understate the grim reality faced by many Nigerians.
For Obi, the solution to this crisis lies in shifting Nigeria’s economy from consumption to production, with a focus on harnessing the nation’s vast uncultivated lands in the North. He highlighted the potential of states like Niger, which is twice the size of the Netherlands in landmass yet struggles to feed itself, while the Netherlands exports over $100 billion in agricultural products annually.
Obi called for intentional agricultural investments, the adoption of mechanized farming, and a concerted effort to address the insecurity that keeps farmers away from their land. He believes these steps are crucial to combating hunger and securing the nation’s food supply.
In his closing remarks, Obi reaffirmed his vision for a new, more prosperous Nigeria, where productivity flourishes and hunger is eradicated. “It is POssible!” he declared, expressing his hope for a nation where food security is guaranteed for all.
