Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential contender for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has raised alarms regarding a United Nations report detailing a deepening food emergency in Northern Nigeria. He is pressing for immediate state intervention to halt the situation from declining further.
Sharing his views on X, the former Anambra State governor called the crisis deeply worrying, noting that the North has historically served as the nation’s primary agricultural hub. He emphasized that current policies require better execution to tackle this escalating humanitarian struggle.
Obi suggested that both federal and state leaders must proactively protect farming routes and provide small-scale farmers with the necessary tools for success. Furthermore, he advised authorities to collaborate with the World Food Programme (WFP) to secure funding before conditions deteriorate.
Data from the WFP reveals that approximately 17 million individuals in nine northern states are experiencing severe hunger, with the national total reaching 35 million during this lean period. Additionally, reports indicate that over 10,000 people in Borno are now experiencing catastrophic levels of food scarcity.
The politician highlighted that rampant insecurity, specifically banditry and insurgency, continues to block farmers from reaching their fields. He called for enhanced protection for rural areas alongside investments in agricultural infrastructure. By prioritizing production-focused economic strategies, Obi believes Nigeria can utilize its vast resources to mitigate hunger and poverty, provided that the government centers its decision-making on citizen welfare.
