Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to declare hunger in Nigeria a national emergency, warning that millions of families are struggling to put food on their tables.
Obi made the call in a post on his X account on Friday to mark the 2026 World Food Day celebration.
He said his visit to rural women farmers during the International Rural Women’s Day celebration showed him that hunger has become one of Nigeria’s biggest challenges.
“What became clear to me is that hunger in the country must be declared a national emergency,” Obi said.
According to him, millions of Nigerians are battling hunger, poverty and insecurity, while many families do not know where their next meal will come from.
The former Anambra State governor said Nigeria now ranks 117th out of 125 countries on the Global Hunger Index, compared to 109th position in 2023 when the current administration assumed office.
He also cited estimates by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), saying about 36 million Nigerians could face acute hunger this year.
Obi blamed insecurity for keeping many farmers away from their farmlands, noting that about 60 per cent of Nigeria’s fertile land remains uncultivated despite the country’s huge agricultural potential.
“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.
He added that the fight against hunger should not be delayed, insisting that it must be treated as a national emergency.
Obi promised that if elected, his administration would ensure farmers return safely to their farms and receive targeted grants, subsidies and other support to increase food production.
He concluded by saying, “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. Nigeria will be OK.”
World Food Day is observed every October 16 to promote action against hunger and improve global food security. This year’s event comes as many Nigerians continue to grapple with soaring food prices, insecurity in farming communities and economic hardship.