Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has called on the Federal Government to declare hunger a national emergency, warning that millions of Nigerians are struggling with poverty, food insecurity and rising hardship. In a statement marking World Food Day on October 16, Obi said no Nigerian family should have to go to bed hungry and urged urgent action to address the crisis.
Obi cited estimates indicating that about 36 million Nigerians could face acute hunger this year. He also referenced Nigeria’s position in the Global Hunger Index, arguing that the country’s worsening food-security situation demands immediate attention. The Food and Agriculture Organization has separately projected that 34.7 million people would face crisis-level or worse acute food insecurity during the June–August 2026 period.
The politician said Nigeria’s food crisis was particularly troubling given the country’s vast fertile land and agricultural potential. He claimed that about 60 per cent of the country’s arable land remains uncultivated and linked insecurity in rural areas to the difficulties farmers face in accessing their farms and producing enough food for the population.
Obi pledged that under his leadership, his administration would prioritise security, enable farmers to return safely to their farms and provide targeted grants, subsidies and other forms of agricultural support. He maintained that tackling hunger requires urgent action on poverty, insecurity and food production to ensure Nigerians can access affordable food and farmers can work in safety and dignity.
Daily Times
