Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s placement among the world’s most hunger-stricken nations, describing it as unacceptable given the country’s enormous agricultural potential and natural endowments.
Speaking on Thursday at the “Food Systems Change makers’ Conference 2025” in Abuja, organised by Sahel Consulting Limited and its partners, Obi lamented that despite Nigeria’s vast arable land and youthful population, millions of citizens still go to bed hungry.
“Food is a critical component of human existence, and for Nigeria to be listed among the hungriest nations despite our vast resources is very regrettable,” Obi said.
“We cannot discuss development if our people cannot afford a healthy meal. The agricultural sector remains central to our economic sustainability and future growth.”
He called for increased investment, innovation, and accountability in agribusiness, stressing that Nigeria’s path to prosperity depends on harnessing agriculture as a foundation for inclusive growth.
“Nigeria must innovate to sustain its food systems to meet growing demand.
“We have no reason to be among the hungriest nations when we possess millions of energetic youths and expansive, uncultivated land that can drive agricultural productivity,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030, identifying agriculture as one of the main pillars to reach that goal.
The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, made this known during the same event, noting that the government is reviewing the National Development Plan (2026–2030) to ensure that agriculture remains a top priority sector.
“Mr. President has challenged us to generate a $1 trillion economy by 2030 in an inclusive manner that prioritises agriculture.
“Food systems are major drivers of that growth.
“We are mapping our economic and agricultural potentials across all local governments to build a solid foundation for this target,” Bagudu said.
The Minister emphasized that sustainable food systems are vital to national development and called for stronger private sector participation to unlock the country’s agricultural potential.
“We are putting in place policies and programmes that will ensure that those who participate in our economy, especially in agriculture, are richly rewarded,” he added.
Also speaking, Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli, Chief Executive Officer of The ONE Campaign, underscored innovation as the key to building resilient food systems in Nigeria.
According to her, entrepreneurs and changemakers have a crucial role to play in achieving food and nutrition security.
“Every Nigerian child deserves a healthy meal and the opportunity to live a full and meaningful life.
“For that to happen, nutritious food must be available, affordable, and accessible. Our food systems must function effectively,” Nwuneli said
The conference, themed “Designing for Legacy: Building Resilient and Impact-Driven Food Systems,” brought together policymakers, development partners, private sector leaders, and innovators to deliberate on strategies for achieving national food security and transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
