Peter Obi Urges Nigeria to Declare Hunger a National Emergency on World Food Day

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has called for hunger to be declared a national emergency in Nigeria. He made this statement on World Food Day, highlighting the growing issues of food insecurity, poverty, and violence in the country.

Obi pointed out that millions of Nigerians are suffering from severe hunger, despite the country’s rich agricultural resources. He blamed the crisis on ongoing violence and the failure to make use of much of the available farmland. He noted that Nigeria’s ranking on the global hunger scale has worsened, dropping from 109th to 117th out of 125 countries this year, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation.

“Today, as the world marks World Food Day, Nigerians are confronting a painful reality: hunger, poverty, and insecurity continue to affect millions of families across the country,” Obi said. He emphasized that about 60% of Nigeria’s fertile land remains uncultivated, which allows criminal groups to hide and disrupt farming activities.

Obi stressed that to tackle hunger effectively, the government must prioritize safety, invest in agriculture, and support farmers. He promised that if elected, his administration would enhance national security and provide farmers with necessary resources such as grants and subsidies.

He also highlighted the importance of supporting rural women, who play a crucial role in food production. Obi’s discussions with these women reinforced the need for urgent action to address hunger and support food producers.

On the significance of World Food Day, Obi stated that Nigerians deserve a future where families do not go hungry, farmers can work without fear, and poverty is tackled with compassion. He reiterated that the fight against hunger should be treated as an emergency, calling for renewed efforts in agricultural development and food security.