A recent study by international development organizations has revealed a sharp increase in the number of Nigerians facing acute hunger, rising from 18 million in late 2023 to more than 31.8 million today.
This alarming surge highlights the worsening food insecurity crisis fueled by ongoing security issues and the removal of fuel subsidies.
Presented by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the study emphasizes the severe impact on food availability, with malnutrition rates particularly high among women and children.
The findings underscore the urgent need for immediate interventions to mitigate the crisis.
The data shows a dramatic rise in the number of people vulnerable to acute food shortages, up from the 18.6 million identified by the U.N. World Food Programme in late 2023.
The Ministry pointed out that the removal of fuel subsidies, along with persistent security challenges, has significantly increased food prices, leaving millions struggling to afford basic necessities.
Armed banditry and violent raids have forced many farmers to abandon their fields, disrupting food production and driving inflation. This has contributed to Nigeria’s worst cost-of-living crisis in decades, with food prices soaring beyond the reach of many citizens.
The removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu, who took office in May 2023, was intended to cut government spending but has led to higher transportation costs, further straining household budgets and exacerbating food insecurity.
The study, backed by organizations such as the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, and the German development agency GIZ, utilized data from the Cadre Harmonisé, a regional food security analysis framework.
Sanjo Faniran, Nigeria’s national convener for Food Systems and a director in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, highlighted that the study not only revealed critical gaps and challenges but also pointed out areas of success and offered actionable recommendations to tackle the escalating hunger crisis.
The findings have sparked calls for immediate action to address the underlying causes of food insecurity and to implement measures that can protect the most vulnerable populations in Nigeria.
