Peter Obi warns of worsening hunger crisis in northern Nigeria

Presidential candidate Peter Obi has sounded the alarm over a worsening hunger crisis in northern Nigeria, citing a recent UN report that over 17 million people in nine states face "crisis-level hunger." Obi described the situation, which the World Food Programme calls the worst in nearly a decade, as an "avoidable food crisis" resulting from "incompetent and irresponsible leadership."

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I am deeply troubled by the latest report from the UN’s World Food Programme, indicating that northern Nigeria is experiencing its most severe hunger crisis in nearly a decade. Over 17 million people in nine northern states face crisis-level hunger, with more than 35 million Nigerians nationwide at risk during this challenging season.

In a post on his X account, Obi highlighted that more than 35 million Nigerians nationwide are at risk of hunger during the current lean season. He specifically pointed to Borno State, where over 10,000 residents have already entered what aid agencies classify 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 stated.

Obi attributed the crisis to two critical structural failures: pervasive insecurity and farmers' inability to access their farmlands. He explained that banditry and insurgent attacks have transformed agrarian communities into displacement zones. "Until we secure our agricultural areas, we cannot secure our future," he asserted.

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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.

He called on federal and state leaders to move beyond political rhetoric and make transparent investments in securing agricultural corridors and providing support to smallholder farmers. Obi also urged closer collaboration with the World Food Programme to address funding gaps and prevent further loss of life, particularly among children.

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This food crisis stems from two critical structural failures: insecurity and farmers’ inability to access their lands. Banditry and insurgency have turned agrarian communities into displacement zones. Until we secure our agricultural areas, we cannot secure our future.