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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Economy & Trade

Nigerians who buy food from markets are lazy, says senator

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A Nigerian senator, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, stated that Nigerians who depend on markets for food are "lazy" and should farm instead.
  • He argued that citizens should produce their own food to tackle rising prices, while the government provides infrastructure.
  • Nwaebonyi's comments, made during a podcast interview, have drawn criticism amid high food inflation in Nigeria.

Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, has sparked controversy by labeling Nigerians who rely on markets for food as "lazy." Speaking in an interview on The Mic On Podcast, Nwaebonyi urged citizens to embrace farming as a solution to rising food prices and the increasing cost of living.

Do you expect Tinubu to moderate the prices of garri in the market? Do you expect Tinubu to come and give you yam to feed your family?

— Senator Onyekachi NwaebonyiQuestioning the expectation for the president to control market prices.

Nwaebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North Senatorial District, defended President Bola Tinubu's administration, stating that the government cannot be solely responsible for market commodity prices. He questioned the expectation for the president to personally provide food for citizens. "Do you expect Tinubu to moderate the prices of garri in the market? Do you expect Tinubu to come and give you yam to feed your family?" he asked.

If you and I can produce what we eat, do we need to go to the market to buy?

— Senator Onyekachi NwaebonyiArguing for self-sufficiency in food production.

The senator emphasized that citizens have a role to play in food production. "If you and I can produce what we eat, do we need to go to the market to buy?" he posited, citing his own experience as a farmer who produces most of his food. He asserted that those who fail to farm despite having the capacity are responsible for their market dependence. "So if you and I can produce what we eat, it’s only the lazy ones that can go to the market," Nwaebonyi stated.

For example, as I speak to you, yesterday they brought 22 tubers of yam from my farm in Ebonyi State because I am one of the best young farmers in Ebonyi State, not minding that I am a senator.

— Senator Onyekachi NwaebonyiIllustrating his personal farming success.

He further argued that increased agricultural output would naturally lead to lower food prices. Nwaebonyi also outlined the government's responsibilities, focusing on providing essential infrastructure such as roads, power, education, and healthcare, which he believes creates an environment for citizens to thrive.

So if you and I can produce what we eat, it’s only the lazy ones that can go to the market.

— Senator Onyekachi NwaebonyiDefining who he considers 'lazy' in relation to food sourcing.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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