A recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has raised alarms over an impending food crisis in Nigeria, predicting that 30.6 million people will face acute food and nutrition insecurity between June and August 2025. This crisis is set to impact 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with some regions facing extreme hunger levels.
States Most Affected
The FAO’s analysis highlights that the northeastern states will bear the brunt of this crisis:
Adamawa: 1.2 million people at risk of severe hunger.
Borno: 1.7 million people facing food insecurity.
Yobe: 1.4 million people expected to struggle for food.
With the lean season approaching, food scarcity could push millions into desperation if urgent interventions are not implemented.
Why Is Nigeria Facing a Food Crisis?
Several interlinked factors are exacerbating food insecurity in Nigeria:
1. Insecurity & Insurgency
Attacks by insurgents, bandits, and kidnappers have displaced farmers, disrupted food production, and created unsafe conditions for agricultural activities. This ongoing violence is a major contributor to food shortages in the country.
2. Soaring Food Prices
The cost of staple food items has skyrocketed due to inflation, high transportation costs, and unstable economic conditions. Many households can no longer afford basic meals, worsening hunger levels.
3. Limited Access to Clean Water & Sanitation
Poor access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities has led to increased cases of malnutrition and waterborne diseases, further aggravating food insecurity.
4. Declining Agricultural Output
Farmers are struggling with low crop yields, high production costs, and climate change impacts. These factors have significantly reduced food supply, making scarcity even worse.
What Needs to Be Done?
The FAO’s Country Representative, Kouacou Dominique Koffy, has called for immediate action to prevent the situation from escalating into a full-blown humanitarian crisis. Here’s what needs to be done:
Enhance Security: Addressing insurgency and improving safety in farming communities is crucial.
Stabilize Food Prices: Government intervention to regulate food prices and ensure affordability.
Boost Agricultural Productivity: Investment in modern farming techniques, irrigation, and subsidies for farmers.
Improve Access to Water & Nutrition Programs: Providing clean water, food aid, and nutrition support to vulnerable populations.
Strengthen Humanitarian Efforts: Collaboration between government, NGOs, and international agencies to tackle hunger effectively.
FAO’s Role in Addressing Food Insecurity
The FAO conducts bi-annual food security assessments (March & October) to monitor hunger trends and guide policymaking. In 2024, the organization expanded its scope to cover all 36 states, training over 100 analysts to help combat food insecurity effectively.
With the lean season fast approaching, the big question remains: Will Nigeria take decisive action to avert this crisis? The clock is ticking, and the time to act is now.