Mr Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has expressed concern over the worsening food crisis in Northern Nigeria following a fresh warning by the United Nations World Food Programme.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, said the warning should prompt urgent action from the Federal Government and state governments before the humanitarian situation deteriorates further.
In a post on his X account on Saturday, Obi described the food crisis as deeply troubling, especially because Northern Nigeria has historically been one of the country’s major food-producing regions.
He said the situation showed the need for stronger policy implementation, better security around farming communities and greater support for agricultural production.
According to Obi, the World Food Programme’s latest assessment indicates that more than 17 million people across nine northern states are facing crisis-level hunger.
He also noted that more than 35 million Nigerians could be at risk during the current lean season if urgent measures are not taken.
The former Anambra governor said the reports of residents in Borno State facing catastrophic hunger conditions were particularly disturbing.
Obi linked the crisis to persistent insecurity, including banditry, insurgency and attacks that have prevented many farmers from accessing their farmlands.
He said insecurity in agricultural communities had weakened food production, disrupted rural livelihoods and worsened poverty among vulnerable households.
Obi urged the Federal Government and northern state governments to prioritise the protection of agricultural corridors and farming settlements.
He also called for practical support for smallholder farmers, including access to inputs, financing, improved seedlings, storage facilities and markets.
According to him, government must work closely with the United Nations World Food Programme and other development partners to address funding gaps and expand emergency food assistance.
Obi said the crisis required coordinated action that goes beyond temporary relief.
He urged policymakers to invest in rural infrastructure, irrigation, mechanised farming and agro-industrial production to improve food security.
The NDC presidential candidate said Nigeria has enough land, human capacity and natural resources to reduce hunger if leaders pursue production-focused economic policies.
He maintained that expanding cultivated land and improving agricultural productivity would help reduce food prices, create jobs and strengthen the economy.
Obi said the welfare of citizens should remain at the centre of national decision-making, especially at a time when many families are struggling with hunger and poverty.
He added that a Nigeria free from mass hunger and extreme poverty was achievable if leaders showed the political will to secure farmers, support food production and protect vulnerable communities.
The warning from the United Nations has renewed public debate over food security, insecurity, humanitarian funding and the future of agriculture in Northern Nigeria.
