Obi urges urgent government action on UN warning of worsening Northern Nigeria food crisis

Peter Obi, the 2027 Presidential Candidate for Nigeria's National Democratic Congress (NDC), has voiced serious concerns regarding a recent United Nations warning about a deepening food crisis in Northern Nigeria. Obi urged the government to take immediate action to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.

Obi highlighted the troubling nature of the crisis, especially given that Northern Nigeria is traditionally a major food-producing region. He stressed the need for more effective policy implementation to tackle the growing humanitarian challenge. The former Anambra governor called for proactive government investments in securing agricultural corridors and providing accessible resources to smallholder farmers.

According to the UN World Food Programme's (WFP) latest assessment, more than 17 million people across nine northern states are experiencing crisis-level hunger. The report also warns that over 35 million Nigerians nationwide could be at risk during the current lean season. In Borno state alone, over 10,000 residents have reportedly entered what humanitarian agencies classify as 'catastrophic hunger conditions'.

“

Insecurity, including banditry and insurgency, has prevented many farmers from accessing their farmlands and remains a major obstacle to agricultural production.

Obi attributed the crisis significantly to insecurity, including banditry and insurgency, which prevent farmers from accessing their farmlands and hinder agricultural production. He advocated for enhanced security in farming communities, increased investment in rural infrastructure, and greater agricultural productivity. Obi also urged policymakers to prioritize production-driven economic policies aimed at expanding cultivated land and boosting agro-industrial output.

He asserted that Nigeria possesses the necessary resources and agricultural potential to significantly reduce hunger and poverty if appropriate measures are implemented. Obi believes that a Nigeria free from widespread hunger and mass poverty is achievable if leaders prioritize the welfare and livelihoods of citizens in national decision-making.

“

Nigeria possesses the resources and agricultural potential to substantially reduce hunger and poverty if the appropriate measures are implemented.