Hunger In Nigeria: An Avoidable Phenomenon
Today, millions of Nigerians are facing the unimaginable hardship of hunger, as basic food items have become increasingly unaffordable.
It’s a heartbreaking reality when people in a nation blessed with rich agricultural resources—fertile land and a favourable climate—are left struggling to feed their families.
The hunger that persists in our land is not just a statistic; it’s a profound tragedy for a country that once thrived on its agricultural produce, where farming contributed over 60 percent to our national economy.
This current crisis is deeply rooted in the relentless insecurity that has plagued our nation, including the threats from Boko Haram, ISIS, and other armed bandits, particularly in the northern regions. These forces have effectively driven farmers away from their lands, fostering a climate of fear and desperation.
The tragic loss of over 1,356 farmers from northern Nigeria between 2020 and 2024 underscores the severity of this crisis and the human cost involved.
Compounding these challenges are policies of the current administration—such as the removal of fuel subsidies and currency floatation—that have further strained the already precarious situation. It begs the question: how did we allow ourselves to reach this point?
It is shocking to witness prices soar to N4,000 for a paint rubber of garri or N5,000 for an average tuber of yam. Basic staples—beans and rice—now command prices around N10,000 for a paint rubber, leaving many families in a constant state of worry.
How long must we endure this hunger? How long will our brave soldiers stand by while our farmers suffer at the hands of these cowardly attacks? How long will our government simply observe the chaos that threatens our nation’s economic stability?
It is crucial for us—as a nation—to awaken from this challenging slumber. We must renew our commitment to agriculture, ensuring every region can be self-sufficient and not rely solely on the northern farmers.
Equally important is a call to our military: let us come together, drawing on the spirit of unity from our past, to confront those who wish to harm us.
Moreover, we implore the Nigerian government to turn its focus towards the daily struggles faced by millions of its citizens and to implement policies that are sensitive to the needs of the people. The time for compassionate action is now.
