President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency on food security has stirred significant concerns, particularly with the revelation that approximately 25 million Nigerians face the risk of food insecurity in 2023. This alarming rise in food insecurity poses a direct threat to the nation’s peace and stability. In a recent episode of the Mic on Podcast, Bulama Bukarti, a lawyer and Senior Analyst on Non-State Armed Groups in Africa under the Tony Blair Foundation, highlighted the intricate connection between global power competition, especially the tensions between Russia and the West, and its impact on Africa’s hunger crisis. He stated, “We know that the global power competition between Russia and the West and the war in Ukraine is playing out in Africa and thus, in fact, affects us in that way (hunger crisis).”
Dr. Dipo Awojide who is a Scholar, underscored the dire consequences of conflicts on the continent, emphasizing the urgent need to minimize internal conflicts to avert famine and devastation. “We need to ensure conflict across the African continent is reduced to the barest minimum. Because in any country or continent there is conflict, it comes with famine and destruction,” he asserted. He, therefore urged African leaders to prioritize securing their countries, focusing on trade over aid, and standing boldly for collective objectives.
Olawale Rotimi, Founder/CEO of JR Farms, expressed skepticism regarding the direct impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on Africa’s food system. He emphasized Africa’s potential to produce its own food while critiquing the continent’s dependence on external aid. While commending President Bola Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration on food security, Rotimi emphasized the pressing need for a precise and swift solution to address the issue, stressing the necessity for accountable leadership in resolving this critical concern.