Peter Obi on Northern Nigeria food crisis has sparked renewed debate after the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate blamed poor leadership for what he described as an avoidable humanitarian emergency.
His remarks followed a warning by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) that more than 17 million people across northern Nigeria face acute hunger. Obi argued that the situation reflects years of policy failures rather than a lack of resources.
Speaking through a statement issued by his media office, Obi said northern Nigeria remains the country’s food basket. However, he insisted that weak governance and poor planning have pushed millions into food insecurity.
He urged the Federal Government and state authorities to shift attention from politics to practical solutions. According to him, leaders should invest in securing farming communities, expand support for smallholder farmers, and work closely with the World Food Programme to close funding gaps before conditions worsen.
Furthermore, Obi warned that delaying action could deepen the crisis and place more children and vulnerable families at risk. He stressed that Nigeria possesses vast areas of fertile land and should not rank among the world’s hungriest nations.
The former Anambra State governor also expressed concern over reports that more than 10,000 residents of Borno State have reached catastrophic hunger levels. He described the development as a national failure that requires immediate intervention.
The World Food Programme has repeatedly warned that conflict, displacement, rising food prices and funding shortages continue to threaten food security across northern Nigeria. Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies have called for increased support to prevent a worsening crisis.
Obi maintained that Peter Obi on Northern Nigeria food crisis is ultimately about leadership, arguing that Nigeria can overcome hunger if governments prioritise agriculture, security and citizens’ welfare. He said the country has the resources needed to achieve lasting food security with responsible governance.
