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The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, has drawn sharp criticism after labeling Nigerians who rely solely on markets for food as “lazy,” urging citizens to embrace farming to mitigate rising food costs.
Nwaebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North Senatorial District, made the remarks during a recent interview on *The Mic On Podcast*. Clips of the interview went viral on Friday, sparking heated debate over the lawmaker’s stance on the nation’s burgeoning food crisis.
Defending the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Nwaebonyi argued that the federal government should not be held responsible for the market price of every staple commodity.
“Do you expect Tinubu to moderate the prices of garri in the market? Do you expect Tinubu to come and give you yam to feed your family?” the Senator asked.
He contended that while the government is responsible for providing basic infrastructure, citizens must play their part by increasing local food production.
“If you and I can produce what we eat, do we need to go to the market to buy?” he said. “I tell you without mixing words that the prices of goods will come down [if production increases].”
Sharing his personal experience, Nwaebonyi, who identifies as a farmer despite his legislative duties, claimed he produces the vast majority of the food his family consumes.
“As I speak to you, yesterday they brought 22 tubers of yam from my farm in Ebonyi State because I am one of the best young farmers in Ebonyi, not minding that I am a senator. What I buy in the market is only vegetables,” he stated.
He further suggested that those who have the capacity to farm but choose not to are the ones feeling the brunt of market fluctuations. “So if you and I can produce what we eat, it’s only the lazy ones that can go to the market,” he added.
Addressing the role of the presidency, Nwaebonyi maintained that the government’s primary duty is to create a conducive environment through infrastructure, power, education, and healthcare. He praised the current administration’s progress in road construction, stating that President Tinubu has “made a name” in the area of national road networks.
The lawmaker also dismissed claims that Nigerians have become significantly poorer under the current administration, arguing that economic hardship is a global phenomenon.
“Even in America, we have poor people. Go to poor villages,” he said, adding that the government is currently addressing inherited challenges and requires public support for its ongoing reforms.
The Senator’s comments come at a time when many Nigerian households are struggling with record-high food inflation, with the prices of staples like rice, beans, and garri reaching all-time highs.
