Tinubu vs Hunger

Nigeria’s food insecurity crisis has worsened. The emergency President Tinubu has declared is the first step towards acknowledging and addressing this escalating crisis. It now requires a sustained, multi-faceted response to mitigate the severity and ultimately reverse the trend.

Written by Kosi Ogbuli

Jul 30, 2023

President Bola Tinubu. @OfficialABAT / TWITTER.

Nigeria is grappling with a critical problem—food insecurity. This perilous situation has been deepening over recent years, driven by a combination of factors ranging from economic downturns, climatic shifts, conflicts and the compounding impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of Nigerians are facing the brutal effects of these factors, leading to a drastic escalation in the number of people at high risk of food insecurity.

President Bola Tinubu recently highlighted this predicament by declaring a state of emergency on food security in Nigeria. His 13 July declaration underscores the severity of the issue and has ignited nationwide conversations about the food crisis, its consequences, and potential solutions. The declaration, although well-intended, paints a grim picture of a nation’s struggle to feed its citizens, emphasizing the urgency for more robust, holistic solutions.

THE FOOD EMERGENCY: AN OVERVIEW

At the heart of Tinubu’s declaration is the urgent need to reassess Nigeria’s food supply and distribution mechanisms. His proposal calls for an extensive review of agricultural practices, with a strong emphasis on promoting sustainable farming methods and enhancing the capabilities of local farmers. Furthermore, Tinubu advocates for establishing a National Commodity Board to stabilize food prices through food reserves and land banks. He argues that this is crucial for bolstering food production and reducing Nigeria’s dependency on food imports.

Tinubu’s emergency declaration also targets the pervasive issues of waste and inefficiencies in the food supply chain with the presidential spokesperson Dele Alake noting that “The cost of transporting Agricultural products has been a major challenge (due to permits, toll gates, and other associated costs).” It underscores the necessity for innovative, technology-driven solutions to minimize food waste and improve the overall efficiency of food production, processing, and distribution systems.

The driving force behind Tinubu’s declaration is Nigeria’s dire state of food insecurity. Confronted by the harsh reality of millions of Nigerians at high risk of food insecurity, Tinubu has underscored the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for effective solutions.

However, Tinubu’s declaration is just a starting point. It forms part of a broader narrative that demands comprehensive, long-term measures to address food insecurity. These measures extend beyond political declarations and require collaborative efforts from all sectors of society, including government, businesses and local communities.

You’ve Reached Your Limit of Free Reading.

The Republic is a Nigerian media-tech company dedicated to explaining our time—through deeply reported journalism on power, culture and society.

Ad-Free Reading Experience

Focused consumption without interruptions.

Unlimited Access to Exclusive Archives

Years of reporting at your fingertips.

In-Depth Deep-dive Reporting

Long-form journalism that matters.

Create a free account to continue reading this month and access more of our work.

About the Author

Kosi Ogbuli

is an Associate Editor at The Republic.

Comments

SHOP THE REPUBLIC

Kidnapped From the House of God

What began as a Tuesday evening service at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, turned into a live-streamed kidnapping that dragged 38 worshippers into the forest and left three people dead. Nearly 40 days after the bandit attack, Pelumi Salako visits Eruku to speak with survivors.

—March 22, 2026

The Bombing That Changed Abuja Forever

In 2011, a Boko Haram bombing at the United Nations House in Abuja claimed the lives of 26 people. The incident changed Nigeria’s capital city and the lives of its residents forever.

—March 22, 2026

What Endures in Borno Are the People

Boko Haram terrorism fits into a longer pattern of insurgency in Borno. Civilians survive through collective resistance, negotiation and uneasy compliance, and ‘peace’ in wartime is often shaped by tragic trade-offs.

—March 22, 2026

Surviving Boko Haram

Aisha, Juliana and Hauwa escaped Boko Haram captivity, but their freedom has taken longer to arrive.

—September 7, 2025

Driving Through Life as a Fully Veiled Muslim Woman

Mutia’ah Badrudeen documents how her decades of driving, as a fully veiled Muslim Yoruba woman across multiple countries, reveal prevailing social ideas about gender, identity and belonging.

Subscribe to our free newsletter.

What’s your e-mail?

You’re in — welcome to The Republic

Complete your onboarding

Read

Connect

Apps

More

Read

Connect

Apps

More

Tinubu vs Hunger

THE FOOD EMERGENCY: AN OVERVIEW