Senator Nwaebonyi Labels Market‑Dependent Nigerians as Lazy
The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, has criticised Nigerians who depend solely on markets for their food, describing them as lazy.
Speaking on the rising cost of staples, he urged citizens to take up farming as a practical solution to ease food price pressures.
Defending President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda, the lawmaker argued that the government cannot be held entirely responsible for market prices.
“Do you expect Tinubu to moderate the price of garri in the market? Do you expect Tinubu to come and give you yam to feed your family?” he asked.
Nwaebonyi stressed that citizens must increase local food production instead of waiting for market supplies.
“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 added.
The senator, who also farms in Ebonyi State, shared his personal experience to illustrate his point.
“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 noted that his market purchases are limited to vegetables, while most of his diet comes from his own farm.
Nwaebonyi contended that anyone capable of producing their own food who chooses to buy from the market is being lazy.
“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 predicted that widespread agricultural activity would inevitably drive down food prices.
“Definitely, I tell you without mixing words that the prices of goods will come down,” he affirmed.
The lawmaker reiterated that the government’s responsibility lies in creating an enabling environment—providing roads, power, education, and healthcare—so citizens can thrive economically.
He praised the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure record, highlighting progress in road construction across Nigeria.
Finally, Nwaebonyi rejected claims that Nigerians have become poorer under the current government, noting that poverty exists everywhere, even in affluent nations like the United States.
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