Akpabio demands urgent actions against sobering hunger in Nigeria

…hails military, US counter-terrorism operations

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday, called for urgent responses to hunger in the country, noting that the “sobering” situation demanded the doubling of efforts to stem it.

He recommended collaborative decisions, including legislation, to strengthen food security for over 35million of the population projected by the United Nations to face severe hunger in 2026.

Akpabio made the call in Abuja as he welcomed senators back to work after their 35-day Christmas and New Year break.

“Distinguished colleagues, we must also respond with urgency to the warning by the United Nations that as many as 35 million Nigerians may face hunger this year.

“This sobering reality demands a doubling of effort -through legislation, oversight, and collaboration -to strengthen food security, protect the vulnerable, and ensure that no Nigerian is abandoned to despair”, the Senate President said.

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He stated that while the country faced challenges, including insecurity, Nigerians were also hopeful that they had a leadership that listened and had been working to reduce their pain.

“Above all, they continue to call for leadership that listens, reforms that work, and a future that rewards effort, integrity, and honest labour.

“Their expectations have not diminished; they have grown more urgent. As we return, we are mindful that events did not pause in our absence, and neither must our sense of duty,” Akpabio added.

He commended the military for their dedication to duty by risking their lives to ensure that the majority of the population remained safe.

Specifically, Akpabio praised the collaboration with the United States in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria, expressing sympathies with families that had lost their loved ones to the counter-terrorism operations.

“In this regard, we commend the continued military collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism.

“Such partnerships reinforce our national security efforts and affirm that Nigeria stands with allies in confronting forces that threaten peace and stability.

“At the same time, this Senate extends its deepest sympathies to the families who have lost sons and daughters to insecurity across our country.

“Their grief reminds us that security is not an abstract concept, it is about lives, homes, and futures that must be protected,” he added.

Akpabio sought prayers for kidnapped Nigerians still held captive for a safe return to their families.

On politics, Akpabio advised all actors to play by the rules as activities geared up for the 2027 polls.

He spoke further, “As the political season gradually approaches, we call on all political parties and actors to be guided by conscience, civility, and patriotism.

“Nigeria’s unity and stability must never become casualties of ambition.

“Our democracy is best served when competition is principled, discourse is responsible, and the national interest remains paramount.

“We also urge Nigerians to continue to remember in prayer our fellow citizens who remain in captivity within their own country.

“We must not forget them. Their continued captivity is a national wound, and their safe return remains both a moral duty and a collective hope.”

Akpabio called for sustained support for President Bola Tinubu’s reforms and policies, saying that they would heal the country and take it to prosperity.

“We encourage Nigerians to continue to support the Renewed Hope Programme, believing that through perseverance, cooperation, and shared sacrifice, the promise of a more secure, productive, and compassionate Nigeria can yet be fully realised,” he said.

The Senate did not conduct any serious business on Tuesday as it adjourned in honour of the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who died on December 31 while the lawmakers were on break.

Senators held a minute’s silence in his honour and suspended all legislative activities till Wednesday, January 28.