Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has issued a stern warning regarding the deepening hunger crisis currently gripping Northern Nigeria, describing the situation as a critical emergency that requires immediate and sustained intervention from the federal government. Highlighting the intersection of persistent insecurity, climate-related challenges, and severe economic instability, Obi emphasized that vast swathes of productive agricultural land remain abandoned by farmers who fear for their lives, leading to a catastrophic decline in food output that threatens the survival of millions. He pointed out that the current inflationary trend has rendered basic food staples unaffordable for the average citizen, pushing vulnerable households into extreme poverty and creating a humanitarian situation that is rapidly becoming untenable.
Obi criticized the lack of a cohesive, long-term agricultural strategy, arguing that sporadic and short-term relief efforts are insufficient to address the structural decay of the food supply chain. He urged policymakers to prioritize the restoration of rural security and invest heavily in modern irrigation and mechanized farming techniques to empower local farmers and reduce the nation’s reliance on food imports. According to Obi, the inability of the populace to access affordable nutrition is not only an economic issue but a fundamental national security threat that could incite further social unrest if left unaddressed. He called for a collaborative approach involving state and local governments to revitalize agricultural clusters, ensure the safe return of displaced farmers to their fields, and implement robust social safety nets to protect the most affected communities from the devastating impacts of this ongoing food insecurity crisis
