A former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed dismay over the new figure released by the World Food Programme on the number of Nigerian children who go hungry daily.
Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 polls in Nigeria, spoke on his X handle.
In the post, backed by a video report by the BBC, he tweeted on Wednesday: “I am profoundly disheartened by the escalating hunger crisis engulfing millions of Nigerian children, a number that has now swelled to approximately 4.4 million, as reported by the World Food Programme (WFP).
“Madina Maishanu’s recent BBC report paints a harrowing picture of the plight faced by families in Katsina state. Her courageous journalism illuminates the harsh realities endured by our most vulnerable communities.
“Our national and state governments must act decisively to address the cause of this crisis. Short-term measures, such as grain procurement, are mere band-aids and fall woefully short of the comprehensive action needed.
“A more holistic and sustainable approach is crucial, including bolstering security measures to ensure safe access to food. The government must prioritize long-term strategies to curb food inflation, enhance security, and stabilize the forex rate, thereby safeguarding food security for all Nigerians.
“In particular, the government of Katsina state must heed expert advice, invest in agricultural development, support our farmers, and implement measures to prevent further displacement of communities.
“It is also vital to collaborate with humanitarian organizations and the international community to mitigate the impact of this crisis and work towards a brighter, more secure future for all Nigerians.”
