Peter Obi Raises Alarm Over Northern Nigeria Hunger Crisis, Blames Leadership as Millions Face Starvation

Peter Obi Raises Alarm Over Northern Nigeria Hunger Crisis, Blames Leadership as Millions Face Starvation

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed serious concern over the escalating hunger crisis in northern Nigeria, describing the situation as a preventable tragedy caused by poor leadership, insecurity, and inadequate investment in agriculture.

In a statement titled "UN's Warning on Northern Nigeria's Food Crisis", shared on his X account on Saturday, Obi reacted to the latest findings by the World Food Programme (WFP), which warned that millions of Nigerians are facing severe food insecurity.

Over 17 Million Nigerians Facing Crisis-Level Hunger

According to the UN agency, more than 17 million people across nine northern states are currently experiencing crisis-level hunger, while over 35 million Nigerians nationwide are at risk of food insecurity during the ongoing lean season.

The report also revealed that more than 10,000 residents of Borno State have entered what the WFP describes as "catastrophic" hunger conditions, the most severe level of food insecurity.

Reacting to the report, Obi described the development as a national emergency that should never have occurred in a country blessed with enormous agricultural potential.

«"I am deeply troubled by the latest report from the UN's World Food Programme indicating that northern Nigeria is experiencing its most severe hunger crisis in nearly a decade," Obi stated.»

Peter Obi: Nigeria Should Not Be Among the World's Hungriest Nations

Obi argued that Nigeria's vast agricultural resources should make the country a leading food producer rather than one battling widespread hunger.

He noted that northern Nigeria has long been regarded as the nation's food basket because of its extensive fertile land, yet insecurity and poor governance have prevented farmers from cultivating their fields.

According to him, the worsening crisis is driven largely by persistent banditry, insurgency, and violent attacks that have displaced farming communities and left thousands unable to produce food.

He stressed that Nigeria should not be ranked among the world's hungriest countries despite possessing millions of hectares of fertile but uncultivated land.

Obi Calls for Urgent Government Action

The former Anambra State governor urged both the Federal Government and state governments to take immediate action before the humanitarian crisis worsens.

He recommended:

- Strengthening security across farming communities and agricultural corridors.

- Providing accessible financing, improved seeds, fertilizers, and other support to smallholder farmers.

- Expanding agricultural investments to boost local food production.

- Deepening collaboration with the World Food Programme and development partners to bridge funding gaps and provide emergency food assistance.

Obi warned that protecting farmers and restoring agricultural productivity are essential to achieving food security and reducing poverty across Nigeria.

Growing Concern Over Nigeria's Food Security

The latest warning from the World Food Programme has intensified concerns about Nigeria's worsening food security situation, particularly in conflict-affected northern states where insecurity, displacement, inflation, and rising food prices continue to threaten millions of lives.

Experts say without urgent intervention to improve security, support farmers, and increase food production, millions more Nigerians could face severe hunger in the coming months.

As calls for decisive action grow louder, stakeholders continue to urge authorities to prioritise agricultural development and security to prevent an even deeper humanitarian crisis.

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