The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised fresh concerns over the worsening levels of hunger and poverty in Nigeria, stating that these challenges are not mere data points but reflect the harsh daily experiences of millions across the country.
In a post shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, the former Anambra State governor decried what he described as a deepening humanitarian and economic crisis facing the nation, driven by what he called poor governance and misplaced priorities.
“In today’s Nigeria, hunger and poverty aren’t abstract concepts or distant statistics they are the painful reality for millions of citizens,” Obi wrote. “Across communities, people are struggling to find food, basic shelter, and a means to live with dignity.”
Citing recent United Nations projections, Obi highlighted that approximately 34 million Nigerians are at risk of facing acute food insecurity, while an estimated 133 million people around 63% of the population are trapped in multidimensional poverty.
He pointed to Nigeria’s soaring inflation rate, officially nearing 30%, alongside unemployment and economic mismanagement, which he said have eroded the country’s middle class and pushed many formerly stable families below the poverty line.
According to Obi, these challenges are not natural disasters, but the direct result of leadership failures marked by a lack of capacity, compassion, and commitment to the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
“The core issue is governance leaders who lack the vision and empathy to prioritize the people. It’s not that our problems are insurmountable; other countries have faced similar, even worse situations, and found a path to recovery,” he added.
To underscore his point, Obi referenced Argentina as a compelling example of how decisive and people-focused leadership can reverse economic decline. By early 2024, he noted, over 52% of Argentina’s population lived in poverty, with inflation surpassing 200% and confidence in the economy at a historic low.
However, within two years, Argentina’s newly elected president implemented bold fiscal reforms, reduced government waste, and restored economic stability. As a result, the poverty rate fell to 38.1%, extreme poverty dropped to 8.2%, and monthly inflation settled to around 2–3%. By 2025, urban poverty had declined to 31.6%, investor confidence had improved, and the economy began to show real growth.
Obi emphasized that both Argentina’s and Nigeria’s current administrations came into office in the same year, proving that meaningful progress is possible within a two-year window if there’s honest and capable leadership.
“While two years may not be enough for a complete turnaround, it is more than enough to begin genuine reform. Nigerians deserve to see real change, not more empty promises,” he said.
He further stressed that corruption, wasteful governance, and poor investment in critical sectors like healthcare and education are the biggest barriers to national development. Without addressing these core issues, he warned, Nigeria will remain trapped in a cycle of poverty and despair.
“We need leadership that puts the people first, manages public resources responsibly, and fights corruption without compromise,” Obi urged. “Nigeria can work. We can restore dignity to our people, reduce hunger, and lift millions out of poverty. But this can only happen when leaders are focused, honest, and committed to true national transformation.”
He ended with a message of hope, stating: “A new Nigeria is possible.”
