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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has called for urgent and collective action against the growing hunger crisis in Nigeria, describing the situation as “sobering” and demanding immediate response from lawmakers.
Akpabio made the call on Tuesday in Abuja while welcoming senators back from their 35-day Christmas and New Year recess. He stressed that the warning by the United Nations that about 35 million Nigerians may face severe hunger could not be ignored.
“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,” he said.
According to him, the looming food crisis required lawmakers to double their efforts through legislation, oversight and collaboration to protect vulnerable Nigerians.
“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,” Akpabio added.
Similarly, the Senate President noted that despite economic pressures, insecurity and social challenges, Nigerians had continued to endure with resilience and hope. He said citizens were calling for leadership that listens and reforms that truly ease their hardship.
“Above all, they continue to call for leadership that listens, reforms that work, and a future that rewards effort, integrity, and honest labour,” he stated.
Akpabio emphasized that the expectations of Nigerians had not waned but had instead grown more urgent, urging senators to rise to their responsibility as the country moves forward.
On security, Akpabio commended the Nigerian military for their sacrifices and praised the continued collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism. He said such partnerships strengthened national security and demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to global peace efforts.
“In this regard, we commend the continued military collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism,” he said.
“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, he expressed sympathy to families who had lost loved ones due to insecurity, noting that security challenges were not abstract issues but real tragedies affecting lives and futures.
“Their grief reminds us that security is not an abstract concept; it is about lives, homes, and futures that must be protected,” Akpabio added.
He also called on Nigerians to remember in prayers those still held captive across the country, describing their continued captivity as a national wound.
Turning to politics, Akpabio cautioned political actors as preparations for the 2027 elections begin, urging them to place national unity above personal ambition.
“Nigeria’s unity and stability must never become casualties of ambition,” he warned.
He further encouraged sustained support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing optimism that the reforms would eventually restore stability and 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.
Meanwhile, the Senate adjourned plenary shortly after resumption in honour of the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who passed away on December 31 during the recess. Lawmakers observed a minute’s silence and suspended legislative activities until Wednesday, January 28.