Food security has become a major issue in Nigeria, highlighting the need for strategic investments in the agricultural sector. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Workers’ Party for the 2023 elections, recently highlighted this critical challenge that requires a deliberate approach to ensure the country’s food sovereignty.
In a statement relayed by his spokesperson, Mr. Ibrahim Umar, Peter Obi warned of the urgent need for concerted action to address the current food crisis. Recent data from the World Bank has highlighted the magnitude of the issue, comparing the situation in Nigeria to that of war-torn countries such as Yemen.
Obi noted that the country is facing a significant increase in the number of people facing acute food shortages and hunger epidemics, highlighting the need for a transition to a more production-oriented agricultural economy. According to him, the shift from a consumption economy to a production economy remains the most effective strategy to combat food insecurity.
The leader of the Workers’ Party stressed Nigeria’s immense agricultural potential, with vast uncultivated lands in the northern part of the country and a large population to feed. He stressed the importance of investing massively in the sector to fully exploit these untapped resources.
Contrasting Nigeria with countries like the Netherlands, which export over $100 billion worth of agricultural products annually, Obi called for a major reform of Nigerian agriculture. He highlighted the critical need to improve the security of farmers to enable them to return to work in the fields, as well as to adopt modern and mechanized farming methods.
In conclusion, Peter Obi highlighted the potential for Nigeria to become a prosperous and self-sufficient country in terms of food. However, he stressed that this would require a strong commitment to agriculture and structural reforms to overcome current challenges and ensure a sustainable food future for the country.