President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has sounded a grave warning over Nigeria’s deepening food crisis, cautioning that rising food prices and widening hunger could plunge millions of citizens into severe hardship if urgent national measures are not taken.
Addressing lawmakers at the Senate’s first plenary session after the Christmas and New Year recess, Akpabio described the food situation as a serious national concern that goes beyond economics, noting that it now threatens social stability and the general well-being of Nigerians.
Furthermore, he drew attention to recent projections by the United Nations suggesting that as many as 35 million Nigerians could face hunger in 2026, stressing that such figures should be treated as an emergency requiring immediate and coordinated intervention.
According to the Senate President, the sharp increase in food prices has placed unbearable pressure on households, particularly low-income families who are already struggling with the broader cost-of-living crisis.
He argued that food insecurity must now rank among the country’s most urgent priorities.
“This is a sobering reality that calls for stronger legislation, effective oversight, and broad collaboration to protect the most vulnerable,” Akpabio said.
“No Nigerian should be left behind or abandoned to hunger and despair.”
He added that the Senate would intensify work on laws and policy frameworks aimed at improving agricultural output, stabilising food supply chains, and easing inflationary pressures that continue to drive up food costs nationwide.
Moreover, Akpabio stressed that decisive legislative action was necessary to cushion citizens from the harsh effects of economic hardship, warning that inaction could further deepen public suffering.
Shifting focus to security matters, the Senate President commended the continued military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism, describing the partnership as vital to strengthening the country’s security architecture.
“We commend the sustained military collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in confronting threats to peace and stability,” he said, noting that the cooperation remained active even during the festive season.
However, he also acknowledged the human toll of insecurity across the country, extending condolences to families affected by violence, displacement, and loss of lives.
In addition, Akpabio called for renewed prayers and collective national resolve toward securing the release of Nigerians still held in captivity, describing their situation as a “national wound” that must not be ignored.