The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the increasing number of Nigerians who are allocating a significant portion of their income to food, yet struggling to meet their nutritional needs.
In a statement released on Monday to commemorate World Food Day, Peter Obi emphasized the severity of the ongoing food crisis that continues to affect numerous households across Nigeria.
"As the global community observes World Food Day today, we must confront the pressing issue of food insecurity in our nation and take immediate steps to alleviate hunger and malnutrition," said Obi.
Nigeria is grappling with a grave food crisis, as confirmed by the Global Hunger Index, which categorizes the country as facing a severe level of hunger. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reports that over 90 million Nigerians are grappling with food insecurity, significantly impeding the nation's progress in terms of health and human development.
The 2023 Global Hunger Index further underscores the gravity of the situation, ranking Nigeria 109th out of 125 countries surveyed. This ranking signifies the high levels of hunger persisting in the country, with reports indicating that Nigeria's food inflation rate reached approximately 30 percent on a year-on-year basis in August 2023.
Peter Obi also voiced his concerns about the relentless attacks on farmers by armed and terrorist groups in Nigeria. These attacks have resulted in a significant reduction in food production and supplies, further exacerbating the looming hunger crisis.
"The alarming frequency of attacks on Nigerian farmers by armed and terror groups continues to hinder food production and supply chains, putting our nation at risk of a devastating hunger crisis. Additionally, inadequate investments in agriculture are significant contributing factors to the ongoing food crisis," noted Obi.
Obi went on to stress the untapped potential of Nigeria's vast and fertile lands, particularly in the North. With the right investments and initiatives, these lands could yield a surplus of food for both domestic consumption and export, potentially outpacing the revenue generated from oil.
Further more that Nigeria must prioritize investments in agriculture to combat the pressing food crisis and secure a healthier, food-secure future for its citizens.
Peter Obi urged the government to channel substantial resources into the agricultural sector to ensure sustainable food production, not only to meet the needs of Nigeria but also to contribute to global food security.
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