Clarion Olusegun
The Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s worsening food security crisis, warning that hunger threatens the nation’s stability and economic productivity.
In a communique issued after a meeting at the Jubilee Conference Centre, Oke Ado, Ibadan, from February 10-11, 2025, the bishops lamented the increasing hardship faced by millions of Nigerians, stating that “Ebi npa wa” (“We are hungry”) has become a more common refrain than the national or state anthems.
In the statement, signed by the chairman, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, and secretary, Most Rev. John Akin Oyejola, the clergies called on the government at all levels to prioritize agriculture and food production as a means of restoring hope and stability.
“Food Security as Sustainer of Hope- It is almost 2 years now since the current administration came to power with glowing promises of a better life for all Nigerians. Regrettably, millions of Nigerians still yearn for the most basic necessities of life.
“It should worry the government at all levels that “Ebi npa wa”, meaning, “We are hungry”, has become a more popular song on the lips of many Nigerians than the celebrated national, regional or state anthems.”
The bishops acknowledged some positive strides by the government in promoting agriculture but insisted that more needs to be done to ensure sustainable food production including adequate investment and youth participation in agriculture.
“While commending some cheering strides made by some governments to promote agriculture, we urge the government at all levels to invest more in agriculture, facilitate the involvement of the youth in it and boost provision of food in a sustainable manner through improved security and put strategies in place to reduce the escalated cost of food all over Nigeria.
They urged authorities to increase investments in agriculture, improve security in farming communities, and implement strategies to curb the rising cost of food across the country.
Part of the statement reads: “A country that cannot feed its citizens is not worth its sovereignty. This is even more true of Nigeria which is well endowed with all the necessary ingredients for food sufficiency.
“Without food for the population, hope is difficult to instill and productivity is diminished because a hungry people is a restive people.”
To address food insecurity effectively, the bishops further recommended collaboration with agricultural experts and social engineers to develop creative solutions that would make food more accessible and affordable.
“We enjoin the government to engage with experts and creative, social engineers to reduce the rate of hunger in society as an added means of strengthening the hope of our citizens. It is difficult to sustain hope on hungry stomachs.”
They therefore highlighted the urgent need for price and monetary stability, noting that inflation and indiscriminate price hikes have worsened the food crisis.
The bishops called for stricter monitoring of food prices to prevent arbitrary increases that further push basic necessities beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians.
“In this light, we state here that there is the urgent need for Price and Monetary Stability. Let us note that Price Stability in any economy means that the general price level in an economy does not change over time. Thus, prices of goods need to be sincerely monitored to avoid indiscriminate fixing and increase of prices of goods.”
