Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has raised fresh concerns over what he describes as an unprecedented rise in hunger and poverty across Nigeria.
In a post on his X handle, the former Anambra State governor said the crisis has gone far beyond statistics. “Hunger and poverty are not just distant statistics; they are the harsh reality that millions of our people face daily,” Obi wrote, warning that the country is facing “acute food shortages and multi-dimensional poverty at a scale never before seen.”
Quoting United Nations data, he revealed that about 34 million Nigerians risk facing acute food insecurity, while 63% of the population — roughly 133 million people — live in multidimensional poverty. He added that inflation, “even with suppressed statistics,” is near 30%, and unemployment, coupled with poor economic management, has “nearly wiped out our once vibrant middle class.” Many families, he said, are slipping into poverty due to “incompetent leadership without capacity and compassion.”
Obi drew a sharp comparison with Argentina, noting that the South American country cut poverty from 52% to 38.1% in just two years by reducing waste, focusing on economic stability, and restoring investor confidence. “Both Argentina and the current Nigerian leadership assumed office in the same year,” he said. “Two years may not be enough to completely transform a nation, but it is enough to kickstart genuine change — if the leadership is honest, focused, and committed to the people.”
He called on Nigerian leaders to fight corruption, cut the cost of governance, and invest in education, healthcare, and poverty reduction. “Nigeria can work. We can reduce hunger and restore dignity to Nigerians. A New Nigeria is POssible,” Obi concluded.
