Insecurity, lack of investment in agriculture fueling inflation – Obi

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has pointed out that the high level of insecurity and the apparent neglect of the agricultural sector, among other factors, are responsible for soaring food inflation experienced in the country. Obi, who made it known in a Message to mark the World Food Day 2022, argued that food inflation, which is biting hard on the country stems, mainly from the high level of insecurity which made it impossible for farmers to return their farms and engage in their agricultural activities and food production.

He said “If you secure the country, the farmers will return to the farms, produce more foods and agricultural products, and food inflation will go down. Israel produces enough food for its population and for exports, while Nigeria can hardly feed the people. Borno State is twice the size of Netherlands, which is about 33,000km2 in landmass excluding water. Last year alone, Netherlands exported agricultural products worth of $120 billion, while Nigeria with a land mass of 923,770 km² cannot yet feed itself because we are depending on the now dwindling oil proceeds.”

He expressed confidence that Nigeria, under his watch, will move from consumption to production and that there will be adequate food production in the country, through right investment in agriculture. The World Food Day is celebrated on October 16 every year.