Peter Obi: Nigeria Receiving Food Donations From War-Torn Ukraine Is A ‘National Disgrace’

Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has expressed deep concern, labeling it a “national disgrace” that war-torn Ukraine is donating food to Nigeria.

Obi on Monday, on his page on X, commended the Ukrainian government for their support, while highlighting the critical need for a reassessment of Nigeria’s national priorities.

“It is disheartening that our once economically confident nation, blessed with vast arable land and abundant natural resources, now relies on a war-torn Ukraine for food assistance.

 “This national disgrace stems from years of leadership failure, necessitating urgent reflection and a reordering of our national priorities and resource management and allocation.” Obi said.

Last week, Ukraine donated 25,000 tonnes of wheat as emergency food assistance to 1.3 million vulnerable, crisis-affected people in northeast Nigeria.

Obi stressed the necessity for Nigeria to aggressively prioritize investing in productive sectors, particularly agriculture.

He pointed out that addressing insecurity is crucial for farmers to return to their fields, promoting a productive manufacturing sector and supporting small businesses.

He added that Nigeria “must aggressively reorder our priorities by investing resources in productive sectors like agriculture.” 

The former Anambra governor said, “Addressing insecurity is crucial for farmers to return to their fields, enabling a productive manufacturing sector and supporting small businesses.”

The soaring cost of living, exacerbated by inflation, has led to widespread protests across Nigeria, with citizens calling on the government to alleviate their suffering.

Recent incidents include residents in Abuja raiding a government-owned warehouse, looting food and other items on Sunday, as well as the looting of a truck carrying foodstuff in Suleja, Niger, and Zaria in Kaduna.

The rising cost of living predated the government of President BolaTinubu which took a frightening dimension after he assumed office last year, announcing fuel subsidy removal and floating of the naira, which has seen petrol prices jump from N145 to N630, with food prices shooting up astronomically. 

 Tinubu, in response to public outcry on the rising cost of food driven by skyrocketing inflation in the country, had directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to release about 42,000 metric tonnes of grain, including maize, millet and garri.

He also charged National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the State Security Service and Nigerian police with going after food hoarders. 

The Nigeria Customs Service had also commenced the distribution of confiscated food items to Nigerians to ease hunger in the country until a stampede during the process killed six in Lagos, causing them to stop the distribution.

Chioma Kalu

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