The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has described hunger in Nigeria as a national emergency, calling for urgent measures to address food insecurity, poverty and the threats facing farmers.

Obi made the call in a post on his verified X account on Friday to mark World Food Day, expressing concern that millions of Nigerian families continued to grapple with hunger and economic hardship amid persistent insecurity.

The former Anambra State governor cited Nigeria’s position in the Global Hunger Index, claiming the country ranked 117th out of 125 countries, compared with 109th in 2023, when the current administration assumed office.

He said the situation was particularly troubling given Nigeria’s extensive arable land, lamenting that about 60 per cent remained uncultivated and arguing that some areas had become hideouts for terrorist groups and other non-state actors.

“What became clear to me is that hunger in the country must be declared a national emergency. On World Food Day, the message is clear: Nigerians deserve a country where no family goes to bed hungry, farmers can work without fear, and poverty and insecurity are confronted with urgency and compassion.

“The fight against hunger must be treated as a national emergency. Under our leadership, we will secure the country and return our hardworking farmers to their farms. They will receive targeted grants, subsidies, and other forms of support.

“Together, we can build a Nigeria where no one goes to bed hungry and every farmer can work in peace and dignity. A New Nigeria is possible,” he wrote.

Obi’s remarks centred on improving food security by protecting farmers, restoring access to farmlands and providing financial and other forms of support to agricultural producers.