OBI BLAMES POOR FOOD POLICIES FOR RISING HUNGER IN NIGERIA

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has warned that Nigeria is sliding deeper into food insecurity, arguing that the country has no justification for its worsening hunger levels despite vast agricultural potential.

Obi made the remarks in a statement shared on Thursday via his social media accounts, against the backdrop of a United Nations warning that about 35 million Nigerians are at risk of acute hunger between June and August.

The UN Humanitarian Country Team said nearly one in seven Nigerians could face severe food insecurity during the lean season, with the northern region expected to be most affected.

The UN further warned that delays in intervention could worsen the situation, forcing families to reduce meals, sell assets, or withdraw children from school to cope with worsening hardship.

Reacting to the development and Nigeria’s broader food security situation, Obi criticised the country’s performance despite repeated government interventions in the agricultural sector.

“Despite Three Years of Tinubu’s Food Emergency, Nigeria hungriest ranking index declined to among the worst nations globally,” he said.

The former Anambra state governor argued that official claims of agricultural progress have not translated into improved outcomes, referencing the government’s declaration of a food security emergency in 2023 and the acquisition of tractors and farming implements under a mechanisation programme.

Obi maintained that the results have instead reflected a worsening situation, insisting that Nigeria’s hunger profile continues to deteriorate in global rankings.

“Nigeria’s hunger index ranking was 103rd out of 123 countries surveyed in 2022/2023, and this figure had since worsened to 115th out of 123 countries surveyed in 2025/2026,” he said.

He further stated that Nigeria is now classified among the world’s most food-insecure nations, noting projections that millions could face severe hunger in the coming months.

“The World Bank forecasts that 33 million Nigerians could experience severe hunger,” he said.

Obi insisted that Nigeria’s situation is particularly troubling given its agricultural endowment, especially uncultivated land in the northern region.

“In fact, Nigeria has the highest number of hungry people in the world. I have always maintained that Nigeria have no reason to be seen among the hungriest nations in the world when we have fast, uncultivated land in the north, which is our greatest asset today,” he said.

He called for a shift toward more transparent agricultural investment, arguing that such reforms would address both food insecurity and unemployment.

“We must transparently invest in Agricultural production, which will guarantee food security, but create huge employment,” he said.

Obi concluded his statement with a call for national renewal, insisting that improved governance in agriculture could change the country’s trajectory.