The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has attributed the worsening food crisis in northern Nigeria to poor leadership, insecurity and weak governance, insisting that the situation could have been avoided.
Reacting to the World Food Programme’s warning over rising hunger in the region, Obi described it as disturbing that northern Nigeria, widely regarded as the country’s agricultural hub, has become the centre of a growing food emergency despite its vast farming potential.
He noted that over 17 million people across nine northern states are experiencing severe food shortages, while more than 35 million Nigerians could face hunger during the current lean season.
He also described reports of catastrophic hunger affecting thousands of residents in Borno State as a national tragedy.
The former Anambra State governor blamed persistent insecurity, including bandit attacks and insurgency, for preventing farmers from cultivating their lands, leading to a sharp decline in food production.
He stressed that restoring security in farming communities remains key to reversing the crisis.
Obi criticised what he called ineffective government interventions, arguing that they have failed to improve agricultural productivity or support rural communities.
He urged authorities to adopt policies that encourage production, expand agro-industrial development and remove obstacles limiting farmers’ activities.
He further called on both the federal and state governments to invest transparently in agriculture, provide greater support for smallholder farmers, secure farming areas and strengthen collaboration with the World Food Programme to prevent the humanitarian situation from worsening.
According to Obi, Nigeria possesses enough fertile land and resources to end widespread hunger, but only responsible leadership focused on productive investments and citizens’ welfare can unlock the country’s agricultural potential.
