In a statement issued on Monday to mark the 2023 World Food Day, Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election, has offered a solution to the prolonged food crisis in Nigeria. Obi urged the Federal Government to allocate substantial investments to the agricultural sector, emphasizing that this could help eradicate the issue.
Highlighting the untapped potential of the fertile northern land, Obi suggested that utilizing these resources for agriculture would significantly alleviate the food crisis. He further added that if properly developed, these lands have the capacity to meet both domestic demand and support exportation efforts.
Obi’s statement also drew attention to the damaging impact of non-state actors on agricultural activities. In recent times, attacks instigated by armed and terror groups have disrupted food production, ultimately intensifying the hunger crisis in the country.
Addressing the lack of sufficient investment in agriculture as another contributing factor, Obi insisted that the Nigerian government must prioritize this sector. By doing so, the nation can ensure sustainable food production not only for its citizens but also for the global market, potentially generating more revenue than the oil industry.
Obi concluded with the following remarks: “I have consistently expressed the belief that our vast and fertile lands in the North, when utilized for productive agricultural purposes, have the potential to provide ample food supply for our nation and even beyond. Therefore, the government must make substantial investments in agriculture to ensure adequate food production for both Nigeria and the global community.”
