Farmers across Nigeria, represented by the United Integrated Farmers Association of Nigeria (UNIFAN), have rated President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retired)’s handling of the nation’s food crisis as very poor. The organization claims that, since the current government took office eight years ago, there has been no serious intervention to ensure food sufficiency. National President of UNIFAN, Pastor Akinlami Aduragbemi, voiced these concerns in Abuja while addressing members and representatives of related groups, including the All Farmers Association of Nigeria.
In response to the ongoing challenges, the farmers endorsed the presidential ambition of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi for the upcoming election, expressing optimism that he would improve conditions for them and the agricultural sector. Aduragbemi highlighted Obi’s track record in agriculture during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State, noting that the farmers felt compelled to support his candidacy because of the numerous difficulties they face. He pointed out that one of Obi’s key proposals is to shift the national focus from a consuming economy to a productive one, placing farming at the centre of development.
Grand Patron of UNIFAN, Stephen Osunkeye, based in Chicago, United States, echoed these sentiments. He observed that in recent years there has been no substantial action to address the food crisis and hunger, and that grassroots farmers have not received adequate support or agricultural incentives. Osunkeye expressed hope that, if elected, Obi would provide low‑interest loans to farmers and increase budgetary allocations for the agriculture sector. He remarked, “Apart from staying at home, calls from family, friends, images we see, and the cost of food make one feel unhappy. Even staple foods and produce have become so expensive and unaffordable for the average Nigerian.”
Osunkeye further emphasized that Obi should give strong support to farmers, resolve farmer‑herder conflicts, and ensure soft, low‑interest loans are available. He called for a reasonable agricultural budget to secure the country’s food baskets and fund expansion, stating, “All the country’s food baskets should be secure and receive funds for expansion.”
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