- Obi reveals that Nigeria hunger remains a national embarrassment despite the country having fertile land.
- He says agriculture must receive real investment and innovation if Nigeria hopes to end food insecurity.
- Federal Government targets a $1 trillion economy by 2030, naming agriculture as a major driver of growth.
- Experts at the conference insisted that innovation and technology are key to solving Nigeria hunger.
Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has criticised the worsening Nigeria hunger situation, saying the country should not be battling food insecurity when it has abundant land, a capable workforce, and favourable weather conditions for farming.
Obi spoke in Abuja at the Food Systems Changemakers’ Conference 2025, organised by Sahel Consulting Limited and its partners. He expressed concern that millions of Nigerians can no longer afford basic meals while vast fertile land across the country remains unused.
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He stressed that agriculture should be given priority beyond political statements. According to him, Nigeria has “no justification” for being listed among the most hunger-ridden nations in the world.
“Food is the foundation of life. It is shameful that Nigeria hunger ranks among the worst globally, even though we have the land and people to feed not just Nigeria, but Africa,” Obi said.
Obi urged the government and private sector to invest in agribusiness and modern farming techniques. He added that empowering the youth through agriculture would not only reduce food insecurity but also reduce unemployment.
“With millions of energetic youths and vast uncultivated land, we have no excuse,” he said. “Agriculture is our future.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has disclosed plans to grow the economy to $1 trillion by 2030, and agriculture has been identified as a pillar of this ambition.
Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and National Planning, stated that the National Development Plan is being reviewed to place agriculture at the centre of economic growth.
“We are mapping agricultural potential across local governments. Food systems will drive economic expansion,” Bagudu said.
He assured that new programmes will reward those who invest in agriculture and food production.
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Ndidi Nwuneli, CEO of ONE Campaign, said innovation is the key to transforming food production in Nigeria.
“Every child deserves access to nutritious food,” she said. “Innovation and technology will shape the future of Nigeria’s food systems.”
The conference gathered policymakers, investors, and innovators to discuss solutions to Nigeria hunger, with a joint agreement that agriculture remains the most reliable path to food security and economic stability.
