Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour party, has raised an alarm concerning the dire hunger crisis facing Nigeria. In a statement addressing the recent findings of the Cadre Harmonisé, a UNICEF publication, Obi expressed deep concern over the escalating hunger situation in the nation.
According to the Cadre Harmonisé report, nearly 25 million Nigerians were identified as at risk of hunger between June and August 2023. By the end of the same year, this number had surged to around 26.5 million, indicating a worsening trend. Now, the latest report warns that an additional 31.5 million Nigerians are at risk of acute hunger and serious food insecurity between June and August 2024.
Obi emphasized the urgent need for decisive action to address this crisis. He stressed the importance of shifting the focus from consumption to production, particularly through aggressive investment in agriculture. “The surest way to fight hunger in Nigeria is by moving our nation from consumption to production,” Obi stated.
Highlighting the challenges hindering agricultural productivity, Obi pointed to the pervasive insecurity and terror attacks in many parts of the country, which have disrupted farming activities. Additionally, he cited concerns about the negative impact of monetary policies on small businesses in the agricultural sector.
“The government must secure the farmers and give them adequate support for increased food production,” Obi asserted, underlining the critical role of government intervention in boosting agricultural output.
Nigeria’s current ranking of 109 out of 125 countries on the Global Hunger Index underscores the severity of the situation. With households spending almost all their income on food, the high cost of living and inflation further exacerbate the crisis, leaving many families struggling to meet their basic needs.
In light of these alarming statistics, Obi urged the government to implement immediate measures to avert the impending hunger crisis. “We must take urgent steps to boost food production in the country to defeat the rising hunger and attendant anger,” he emphasized.
Building a productive Nigeria, Obi concluded, must remain a top priority. Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism that with concerted efforts and effective policies, the nation can overcome its hunger crisis and pave the way for a brighter future.
