The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, has faced heavy criticism after labeling Nigerians who rely entirely on markets for food as “lazy.” The lawmaker urged citizens to take up farming as the definitive solution to combating the country’s soaring food inflation.
Nwaebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North Senatorial District, made these remarks during an interview on The Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye. The episode, published on August 1, 2026, sparked widespread public anger after video clips went viral on social media.
While defending the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the senator argued that the federal government should not be held responsible for the skyrocketing prices of basic market commodities.
“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?” Nwaebonyi questioned.
He maintained that the presidency cannot directly dictate prices set by local traders and that citizens must take personal responsibility for food production. According to Nwaebonyi, the government’s role is strictly limited to providing basic infrastructure, such as roads, power, education, and healthcare
