Senator Nwaebonyi Calls Market Dependence "Lazy"

Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, faced backlash for stating that Nigerians who depend on markets for food are "lazy." In an interview on The Mic On Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, published on August 1, Nwaebonyi advocated for citizens to embrace farming as a solution to escalating food prices. He argued that the government cannot solely be blamed for rising commodity prices, emphasizing the need for personal responsibility in food production.

Nwaebonyi, who identifies as a farmer, shared that he produces most of his food, only purchasing vegetables from the market. He claimed that those capable of farming but not doing so contribute to their market dependence.

He asserted that increased agricultural production would lower food prices and reiterated that President Bola Tinubu cannot directly control market prices. Nwaebonyi called for the government to provide essential infrastructure, including roads, power, education, and healthcare, to support citizens in food production.