Akpabio Laments Rising Food Prices In Nigeria

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has raised the alarm over the rising cost of food and the growing threat of hunger across the country, calling for urgent and coordinated national action to avert a worsening food crisis.

Naijaonpoint reports that Akpabio sounded the warning on Tuesday in his welcome address at the first sitting of the Senate after the Christmas and New Year recess, describing the situation as a grave challenge to national stability and citizens’ well-being.

Citing a recent United Nations projection, the Senate President said as many as 35 million Nigerians could face hunger this year, stressing that the development amounted to a national emergency.

He said the surging cost of food had placed unbearable pressure on households, particularly the most vulnerable, adding that hunger must now take centre stage in national priorities.

“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 said.

According to him, the Senate would intensify efforts on laws and policies that promote agricultural productivity, stabilise food supply chains and ease the burden of inflation on ordinary Nigerians.

He stressed that decisive legislative action was required to shield citizens from the harsh effects of rising prices and economic hardship.

Beyond food insecurity, Akpabio commended the continued military collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism, noting that the partnership remained active even during the festive period.

“We commend the continued military collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism,” he said.

He described the cooperation as critical to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and confronting threats to peace and stability.

The Senate President also extended condolences to families affected by insecurity across the country, stressing that security challenges represent real human tragedies involving lost lives, shattered homes and uncertain futures.

He called for sustained prayers and collective commitment toward the release of Nigerians still held in captivity, describing their plight as a “national wound” and a moral concern that must not be forgotten.

Death In The Senate

While welcoming senators back from the recess, Akpabio noted that the resumption of plenary was marked by sorrow following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District.

“During the recess, death visited this Chamber and took from us one of our own,” he said, describing the late lawmaker as diligent, humble and committed.

The Senate observed a minute of silence in his honour, as condolences were conveyed to his family, constituents and the government of Nasarawa State.

Reflecting on developments during the recess, Akpabio said Nigerians continued to grapple with economic hardship, insecurity and social pressures, but had remained resilient and hopeful.

He noted that citizens now demand leadership that listens and governance that delivers tangible results.

“Nigerians have endured, adapted, and persevered. They continue to call for leadership that listens and a future that rewards effort, integrity and honest labour,” he said.

With political activities gradually intensifying, the Senate President cautioned political actors to exercise restraint, warning that national unity and stability must never become casualties of ambition.

He said democracy thrives when competition is principled, and the national interest remains paramount.

Turning to the legislature’s agenda, Akpabio said the Tenth Senate had entered a decisive phase, with less than one year and five months remaining in its tenure.

Describing the period as the “final stretch,” he urged senators to act with urgency, focus and discipline.

“This is the stretch that defines legacy,” he said.

Naijaonpoint reports that the Senate President warned against legislative clutter, insisting that the remaining months must be devoted to high-impact, people-centred laws that unlock economic growth, strengthen institutions and restore public confidence.

On the 2026 budget, Akpabio assured that the Senate would give it immediate attention, promising rigorous scrutiny, responsible passage and faithful implementation in cooperation with the Executive.

Above all, he reminded lawmakers of their duty as representatives of the people, urging them to finish strong.

“Let it be said that when the Tenth Senate reached the final stretch, it did not slow down, it did not look away, and it did not leave the work unfinished,” Akpabio said.