… says projected hunger crisis affecting 35 million Nigerians reflects leadership failure and economic mismanagement.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu following a United Nations warning that nearly 35 million Nigerians could face acute hunger between June and August 2026.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the projection as a devastating verdict on the current administration.
According to him, the warning reflects what he called a full-blown humanitarian emergency caused by economic mismanagement, insecurity and failed leadership.
Atiku said millions of Nigerians are struggling with rising food prices, worsening poverty and declining living conditions, adding that the country has moved from economic hardship to widespread suffering.
He blamed the crisis on the removal of fuel subsidy without adequate social support measures, unstable exchange rate policies, rising inflation and growing insecurity affecting farming communities across several states.
The former vice president also argued that farmers in states such as Benue, Kaduna, Zamfara, Niger and Borno have been unable to access their farmlands due to banditry, terrorism and kidnappings.
He further accused the Federal Government of focusing more on public image than urgent intervention to tackle the food crisis.
Atiku called on the government to immediately declare a national food security emergency and implement measures including support for farmers, protection of farming corridors, strategic food reserves, price stabilisation and emergency assistance for vulnerable households.
He warned that hunger could worsen insecurity and social instability if urgent steps are not taken.
The former vice president added that Nigeria possesses the resources and manpower needed to feed its population but lacks what he described as competent leadership capable of addressing the crisis.