Former Anambra State Governor Calls for National Emergency on Hunger

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on the Federal Government to declare hunger a national emergency, warning that millions of Nigerian families continue to struggle with food insecurity.

Obi made the appeal in a statement marking World Food Day, insisting that no Nigerian should have to go to bed hungry in a country with enormous agricultural potential.

According to a report published by TheCable on October 17, 2026, Obi said Nigeria must urgently address the interconnected challenges of hunger, poverty and insecurity.

Millions of Nigerians Face Food Insecurity

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that approximately 36 million Nigerians could face acute hunger in 2026, highlighting the scale of the country’s food security challenge.

Obi expressed concern that Nigeria’s agricultural potential has not translated into adequate food security for millions of its citizens. He also pointed to the large areas of uncultivated farmland and the insecurity that prevents farmers from working safely.

He argued that tackling hunger requires urgent action to protect farming communities, improve agricultural production and support people who depend on farming for their livelihoods.

Obi Outlines Measures to Tackle Hunger

Obi said addressing food insecurity should go beyond public declarations, stressing the need for practical measures that help farmers produce more food.

Among the measures he proposed were targeted grants, subsidies and other forms of support for farmers. He also emphasised the importance of improving security so farmers can return to their fields without fear of attacks.

According to him, farmers must be able to work in peace and dignity if the country is to improve food production and reduce hunger.

A Call for Urgent Action

The statement adds to the ongoing national debate about the cost of living, agricultural productivity and access to affordable food.

For households struggling to afford basic necessities, food insecurity remains a major concern. Obi’s appeal places renewed emphasis on the responsibility of government to develop effective measures that improve access to food and protect vulnerable families.

His central message was that Nigerians deserve a country where families can afford their meals, farmers can work safely and poverty is confronted with urgency and compassion

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