Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, has voiced deep concerns over the escalating hardship faced by Nigerians due to the continuous surge in commodity prices, particularly food items.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Wednesday, Obi highlighted the alarming trend where many Nigerians are now forced to allocate the entirety of their income towards purchasing food alone. Citing the hunger index forecast, the former Anambra Governor expressed dismay at the increasingly complex situation.
“I was alarmed when, in January 2023, the Cadre Harmonisé, a UNICEF publication, indicated that nearly 25 million Nigerians were at risk of facing hunger between June and August 2023 if urgent actions were not taken,” Obi remarked in his statement.
He recalled his previous calls for the government to take urgent measures to address the looming hunger crisis. However, he noted with distress that the situation had worsened, with approximately 26.5 million Nigerians reported to be at risk of hunger by the end of 2023, and now, an estimated 31.5 million facing acute hunger and food insecurity between June and August 2024.
Obi underscored the urgent need for the Nigerian government to prioritize the security and support of farmers to boost food production in the country. He emphasized the necessity of transitioning from consumption to production to combat hunger effectively, advocating for aggressive investment in agriculture and harnessing the vast arable lands, especially in the Northern regions of Nigeria.
With Nigeria ranking 109 out of 125 countries on the Global Hunger Index, Obi stressed the imperative of implementing measures to avert the impending crisis. He urged swift action to mitigate the impact of high inflation rates and the soaring cost of living, which have exacerbated food insecurity and left many households struggling to meet their basic needs.
Obi called attention to the challenges posed by insecurity and terrorism, which have hindered farmers’ ability to engage in agricultural activities. He emphasized the crucial role of government support in securing farmers and fostering an environment conducive to increased food production.
“Building a productive Nigeria remains our focus in the New Nigeria, which is possible,” Obi concluded, reiterating his commitment to addressing the root causes of hunger and fostering sustainable development in the country.
