Farmers in Nigeria, represented by the United Integrated Farmers Association of Nigeria (UNIFAN), have rated President Major General Muhammadu Buhari’s administration poorly in its handling of the country’s food crisis. The organization noted 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, made these remarks in Abuja while addressing members and representatives of related groups, including the All Farmers Association of Nigeria.
The farmers endorsed the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for the upcoming elections, hoping his leadership would benefit them and the agricultural sector. Aduragbemi cited Obi’s track record in agriculture during his tenure as governor of Anambra State as a key reason for their support. He argued that, given the numerous challenges confronting farmers, they have little choice but to back Obi, whose platform emphasizes shifting the economy from consumption to production, with farming at its core.
Grand Patron of UNIFAN, Stephen Osunkeye, based in Chicago, United States, echoed these concerns. He said that in recent years there has been no substantial response to 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 or soft loans to farmers and increase budgetary allocations for agriculture. He added, “The cost of staple foods has become unaffordable for the average Nigerian. Obi should prioritize high support for farmers, resolve farmer‑herder conflicts, ensure reasonable agricultural budgets, and secure funding for expanding the nation’s food basket.”
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