Peter Obi Declares Hunger in Nigeria A National Emergency On World Food Day

Presidential candidate, Peter Obi of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has called for hunger in Nigeria to be declared a national emergency, warning that millions of citizens are facing worsening food insecurity despite the country’s vast agricultural potential.

In a statement issued to mark World Food Day, Obi expressed concern over the growing levels of hunger, poverty, and insecurity across the nation.

His remarks came a day after he joined rural women farmers in commemoration of International Rural Women’s Day, where he said he witnessed firsthand the challenges confronting food producers in the country.

According to Obi, Nigeria’s food crisis has reached alarming levels, citing reports that place the country among the hungriest nations in the world.

He noted that Nigeria’s global hunger ranking has worsened, falling from 109th position to 117th out of 125 countries since the current administration assumed office.

He further referenced estimates by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), which project that about 36 million Nigerians could face acute hunger this year.

Obi described the situation as particularly tragic given Nigeria’s abundant agricultural resources.

He noted that the country possesses vast areas of fertile and arable land, but claimed that nearly 60 per cent remains uncultivated. According to him, the inability to fully utilise these lands has been compounded by insecurity, with many areas becoming hideouts for terrorist groups and other criminal elements.

“The message on World Food Day is clear,” Obi said. “Nigerians deserve a country where no family goes to bed hungry, where farmers can work without fear, and where poverty and insecurity are confronted with urgency and compassion.”

The former Anambra State governor pledged that under his leadership, security would be prioritised to enable farmers to return safely to their farms. He also promised targeted grants, subsidies, and other forms of support to boost agricultural production and improve food security.

Obi maintained that addressing hunger requires immediate and decisive action, insisting that the fight against food insecurity should be treated as a national emergency.

He concluded by expressing optimism about the country’s future, saying that with the right policies and commitment, Nigeria can become a nation where every citizen has access to food and every farmer can work in peace and dignity.

“A New Nigeria is possible. Nigeria will be OK,” he said.