Obi Raises Alarm Over Rising Hunger in Northern Nigeria

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the worsening food crisis in northern Nigeria after a new report by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) revealed that more than 17 million people across nine northern states are facing crisis-level hunger.

Obi reacted to the report on Saturday through a post on his X account, describing the situation as avoidable despite the region’s vast agricultural potential. He said the latest findings showed that northern Nigeria was experiencing its worst hunger situation in almost ten years, while more than 35 million people across the country could face food shortages during the current lean season.

He also noted that over 10,000 residents of Borno State had already fallen into what humanitarian agencies classify as catastrophic hunger, describing the development as a major setback for the country.

According to Obi, the crisis reflects poor leadership and long-standing challenges that have prevented Nigeria from fully utilising its agricultural resources. He argued that the North, widely regarded as the nation’s food-producing region, should not be battling such severe food shortages.

The former Anambra State governor blamed the situation on growing insecurity and the inability of farmers to access their farmlands. He said attacks by bandits and insurgents have forced many farming communities to abandon their homes and agricultural activities, reducing food production across the region.

Obi urged the Federal Government and state governments to move beyond political statements and focus on practical measures that would improve security in farming communities. He also called for stronger support for smallholder farmers through better access to farming resources and financial assistance.

He further appealed for closer cooperation with the World Food Programme and other humanitarian organisations to address funding shortages and prevent the crisis from worsening, especially among children and other vulnerable groups.

The WFP had earlier warned that insecurity and declining humanitarian funding were driving northern Nigeria into its most severe food crisis in nearly a decade.

The agency, relying on the latest Cadre Harmonisé food security analysis, reported that more than 17 million people in nine conflict-affected states are currently experiencing crisis, emergency or catastrophic hunger conditions, representing an increase of nearly two million people compared to previous projections.