Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed concern about the high cost of living in Nigeria, stating that many Nigerians are now using most of their income solely on food, with other family expenses left to one’s imagination.
According to Obi’s statements on his X platform on Wednesday, the United Nations Children’s Fund’s Cadre Harmonisé has cautioned that 31.5 million Nigerians could face acute hunger and severe food insecurity from June to August 2024.
Obi raised concerns to the government led by President Bola Tinubu, highlighting the escalating challenges of high living costs and inflation.
This has led to Nigeria being ranked 109 out of 125 countries on the Global Hunger Index, placing the country among the top 20 most hungry nations in the world.
He mentioned being shocked by the Cadre Harmonisé report from UNICEF in January 2023, which warned that around 25 million Nigerians could face hunger by June to August 2023 without immediate intervention.
“I, like many other Nigerians, expressed deep concern and worry, urging the government to urgently address the looming hunger crisis in the country.
“By the end of 2023, approximately 26.5 million Nigerians were facing the threat of hunger, which continued to be a significant issue in 2024”, Obi said.
He continued, “Sadly, a recent report from Cadre Harmonisé has revealed that the number has now risen to 31.5 million people at risk of severe hunger and food insecurity between June and August 2024, emphasizing the pressing need for action.
“The situation has become more complicated due to the high cost of living and inflation rates affecting our economy. Nigeria currently ranks 109 out of 125 countries on the Global Hunger Index, making it one of the 20 most hungry nations globally.
Numerous Nigerian households are now allocating the majority of their income towards food expenses, leaving little for other essential needs.
“To combat hunger in Nigeria, the key solution is transitioning from consumption to production, focusing on investing in agriculture by utilizing the vast arable lands, especially in the Northern regions of the country”.
He emphasized the importance of taking action to prevent the increase in hunger among Nigerians by June. He urged for efforts to be made to boost food production in the country and address the growing anger stemming from hunger.
Obi highlighted the challenges faced by farmers due to insecurity and poor economic policies, and called for the government to provide support to farmers to increase food production. He reiterated the need to focus on building a productive Nigeria in the New Nigeria.
