The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for hunger to be declared a national emergency in Nigeria, warning that food insecurity, poverty and insecurity continue to place enormous pressure on households across the country.
Obi made the call in a statement shared on his verified social media account in connection with World Food Day, observed annually on October 16.
The former Anambra State governor described hunger as an urgent national challenge, arguing that Nigeria must treat access to food as a priority rather than an issue that can be addressed through routine policy responses.
“What became clear to me is that hunger in the country must be declared a national emergency,” Obi said.
He argued that Nigerians deserve a country where families can afford food, farmers can work without fear and poverty is addressed with urgency and compassion.
Obi also expressed concern about Nigeria’s food production potential, pointing to the country’s extensive agricultural land and the need to improve the conditions under which farmers operate.
He maintained that insecurity has prevented some farmers from accessing their farms safely, affecting agricultural productivity and the country’s ability to meet food demand.
As part of his proposed response, Obi advocated targeted grants, subsidies and other forms of support for farmers, alongside stronger security measures to enable them to return to their farms.
His remarks come amid continuing debate over food affordability, agricultural productivity and the effects of economic reforms on Nigerian households.
The issue of hunger extends beyond food prices alone. Agricultural output, transportation costs, storage facilities, insecurity, supply-chain disruptions and household purchasing power all influence whether families can obtain sufficient and nutritious food.
Declaring hunger a national emergency, as Obi proposes, would also need to be accompanied by clearly defined interventions, funding arrangements and measurable targets if it is to produce lasting improvements.
For policymakers, the challenge is to increase domestic food production, protect farmers and improve distribution systems while ensuring that vulnerable households receive effective assistance.
Obi’s intervention places food security firmly within the political debate ahead of the 2027 general election, as Nigerians continue to demand practical solutions to the rising cost of essential goods and the broader challenges affecting their standard of living.