As the world observes World Food Day today, Nigeria’s hunger and food insecurity struggle takes center stage for Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s former presidential candidate in the 2023 election. In Nigeria, in particular, Obi decried that the country’s food crisis has reached alarming proportions.
“Severe hunger has now become an unfortunate member of many households in Nigeria,” Obi tweeted, raising the issue of nation’s ironic plight despite its vast arable lands and human resources.
At least 31.8 million Nigerians face acute food shortages, and 15.6 million children struggle with hunger, according to a recent Global Hunger Index ranking. Nigeria is among the 20 most hungry nations globally, with the United Nations predicting that 82 million Nigerians may go hungry by 2030 if food insecurity remains unchecked.
Nigeria’s agricultural sector, which contributes 22.35% to the country’s GDP, has many problems including insecurity, poor financing and lack of agric extension services. To improve food security, Obi advocates for prioritizing agricultural investments, combating insecurity, and adopting modern mechanized farming methods.
He cited Niger State, with its vast landmass, as an example of untapped potential. “A state like Niger State…can neither feed itself nor feed the nation, while the Netherlands exports over $100 billion worth of agro products annually.” Obi emphasized the need to transition from consumption to production, leveraging Nigeria’s demographics and natural resources.
To achieve food security, the government has implemented initiatives like the Agriculture Promotion Policy and the Presidential Economic Diversification Initiative. However, it is yet to be seen if these initiative improves food supply and thereby lower food prices as government promised.
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