Photo: Atiku Abubakar
By: Daniel Kanu
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep concern over a recent warning by the United Nations that nearly 35 million Nigerians may face acute hunger between June and August 2026, describing the situation as evidence of worsening economic hardship and social exclusion in the country.
Atiku, in a statement issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the development reflects the growing suffering among Nigerians amid rising inflation, high food prices, and declining purchasing power under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the former vice president, basic food items such as rice, garri, beans, yam, and bread, which were once regarded as everyday staples, have now become “symbols of economic exclusion” for millions of citizens struggling to survive.
He said the United Nations projection should not be treated lightly, warning that the country is gradually sliding into a broader humanitarian crisis driven by economic mismanagement and inadequate social protection measures.
“The warning by the United Nations is a tragic reflection of the reality confronting millions of Nigerians today. Families can no longer afford basic meals, and hunger is spreading rapidly across urban and rural communities,” Atiku reportedly stated.
The former presidential candidate blamed the worsening economic conditions on policies introduced by the current administration since assuming office in 2023, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy without adequate relief measures for vulnerable Nigerians.
According to him, the subsidy removal triggered a sharp increase in transportation costs, which subsequently affected the prices of food, goods, and services nationwide.
He argued that the resulting inflationary pressures have severely weakened household incomes and placed enormous strain on businesses, especially small and medium-scale enterprises.
Atiku also criticised the government’s foreign exchange management policies, saying instability in the forex market contributed to the depreciation of the naira and increased the cost of imports and industrial production.
He noted that manufacturers and small businesses continue to struggle under rising operational costs, while consumers face declining purchasing power due to persistent inflation.
The former vice president further called on the Federal Government to urgently implement practical economic reforms and targeted social intervention programmes aimed at cushioning the impact of hardship on ordinary Nigerians.
He stressed the need for policies that would improve food security, stabilise the naira, support local production, and restore confidence in the economy.
The United Nations and several humanitarian agencies have recently raised concerns over food insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in conflict-affected communities and areas facing economic disruptions, warning that millions could face severe hunger if urgent measures are not taken.
