The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to declare hunger in Nigeria a national emergency, warning that millions of families are facing acute food insecurity.
Obi made the call in a statement issued on Friday to mark the 2026 World Food Day.
According to the former Anambra State governor, his engagement with rural women who produce the bulk of Nigeria’s food on Thursday, during the International Rural Women’s Day celebration, made it clear that the hunger crisis has reached an emergency level.
“Yesterday, as the world marked International Rural Women’s Day, I joined Nigerian rural women who produce the food that sustains our population. What became clear to me is that hunger in the country must be declared a national emergency,” Obi said.
Nigeria Now One Of The Hungriest Countries
Obi lamented that Nigeria is now ranked among the hungriest nations in the world, citing global hunger index data.
“Nigeria is now one of the hungriest countries in the world, ranking 117th out of 125, down from 109th out of 125 in 2023, when the current administration came into office. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that about 36 million Nigerians will face acute hunger this year,” he stated.
He described the situation as more tragic given Nigeria’s vast arable land, noting that about 60% of fertile land remains uncultivated and has become hideouts for terrorists and other non-state actors.
‘No Family Should Go To Bed Hungry’
The NDC presidential candidate said World Food Day should serve as a reminder that Nigerians deserve a nation where no family goes to bed hungry and farmers can work without fear.
“On World Food Day, the message is clear: Nigerians deserve a country where no family goes to bed hungry, farmers can work without fear, and poverty and insecurity are confronted with urgency and compassion,” he said.
Obi promised that under his leadership, insecurity would be tackled decisively to enable farmers return to their farms, with targeted grants, subsidies and other support systems.
“Together, we can build a Nigeria where no one goes to bed hungry and every farmer can work in peace and dignity. A New Nigeria is POssible,” Obi added.
