The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has blamed what he described as incompetent and irresponsible leadership for the worsening food crisis in northern Nigeria, following a warning by the United Nations of an impending humanitarian emergency.
Reacting to a recent report by the World Food Programme (WFP), Obi described the situation as “disheartening” and largely avoidable, noting that northern Nigeria, traditionally regarded as the country’s food basket, should not be facing such severe levels of hunger.
In a statement posted on his X account, the former Anambra State governor urged the Federal Government and state governments to move beyond political rhetoric and take decisive steps to address the crisis before it escalates further.
He called for transparent investments to secure agricultural corridors, provide smallholder farmers with accessible support and work closely with the WFP and other development partners to bridge funding gaps.
According to Obi, the latest WFP report shows that more than 17 million people across nine northern states are facing crisis-level hunger, while over 35 million Nigerians could experience severe food insecurity during the current lean season.
He also expressed concern over reports that more than 10,000 residents of Borno State have entered what the UN describes as “catastrophic” hunger conditions.
“The fact that over 10,000 residents of Borno State have entered catastrophic hunger conditions represents not only immense human suffering but also a profound national failure,” Obi said.
He argued that Nigeria should not rank among the world’s hungriest nations, given its abundant natural resources and vast areas of fertile but underutilised agricultural land.
Obi identified insecurity and the inability of farmers to access their farmlands as the major structural causes of the food crisis, warning that banditry and insurgency had turned many farming communities into displacement zones.
“Until we secure our agricultural areas, we cannot secure our future,” he stated.
The former presidential candidate further criticised what he described as superficial policy measures that have failed to improve agricultural productivity or rural infrastructure, urging government at all levels to implement reforms capable of transforming Nigeria’s agricultural potential into sustainable economic growth.
He stressed the need for the country to shift its economic focus from consumption to production, insisting that such a transition would help tackle hunger, reduce poverty and create jobs.
Obi maintained that a hunger-free Nigeria remains achievable but said it would require leaders who place the welfare of citizens above what he described as grand infrastructure projects.
He concluded by reiterating his belief that “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
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