The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, has faced criticism after describing Nigerians who depend on the market to buy food as “lazy” while calling for increased food production to help bring down prices.
Nwaebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North Senatorial District, made the comment during an interview on The Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye.
The interview was published on August 1, with excerpts from the programme gaining attention online on Friday.
The senator was responding to questions about food inflation and the rising cost of living while defending the economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
He argued that the government could not be held solely responsible for the prices of food items sold in markets, saying citizens also had responsibilities.
“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?” he asked.
Nwaebonyi said Nigerians should become more involved in agriculture and produce more of what they consume rather than relying entirely on the market.
“There are things we must do as citizens. And there are things we must hold government accountable to do, like providing the basic infrastructure,” he said.
He added, “If you and I can produce what we eat, do we need to go to the market to buy?”
The lawmaker, who described himself as a farmer, cited his own farm as an example, saying he produces most of the food he eats.
“For example, 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 State, not minding that I am a senator,” he said.
“As I talk to you, I produce my own. What I buy in the market is only vegetable.”
Nwaebonyi subsequently drew a distinction between people who produce their own food and those who depend on the market despite having the ability to farm.
“So if you and I can produce what we eat, it’s only the lazy ones that can go to the market,” he stated.
He maintained that increasing agricultural production would eventually ease pressure on food prices.
“Definitely, I tell you without mixing words that the prices of goods will come down,” the senator said.
He also argued that the President could not be expected to dictate the prices of food items sold by individual traders.
“Do you expect Tinubu to come and give you yam to feed your family?” he asked.
According to the senator, the responsibility of government is to create an environment where citizens can produce and earn a living, identifying roads, electricity, education and healthcare as areas where government intervention is necessary.
“There are things we must hold government accountable to do like providing the basic infrastructure. Which road is number one, power is number two, education comes in, healthcare comes in,” he said.
Nwaebonyi also defended the Tinubu administration’s record, particularly its infrastructure projects, claiming that the President had made significant progress in road development.
“Mr President has made a name in the area of infrastructure, in particular road network in Nigeria,” he said.
The senator further rejected claims that Nigerians had generally become poorer under the present administration, arguing that poverty and economic hardship also exist in developed countries.
“Even in America, we have poor people. Go to poor villages,” he said.
He maintained that the current administration was working to address challenges inherited from previous governments and urged Nigerians to support its ongoing reforms.
The comments come amid continuing concerns over food inflation and the rising cost of living, with households across the country facing higher prices for staple food items.