Nigerians facing acute food shortages as hunger rise from 18million To 31million-New study reveals
A new study by international development partners has revealed that over 31.8 million Nigerians are now facing acute food shortages, a situation worsened by ongoing security challenges and the removal of fuel subsidies.
The findings, released by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, emphasize the severe impact on food availability and the resulting malnutrition, particularly among women and children. Presented during a meeting between development partners and the government, the study stresses the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the crisis.
According to the study, the number of Nigerians vulnerable to acute food insecurity has risen significantly from the 18.6 million identified by the U.N. World Food Programme between October and December 2023. The ministry attributes this increase to a spike in food prices, driven by the removal of fuel subsidies and ongoing security concerns, which have plunged millions into a dire situation.
Armed attacks by bandits have forced many farmers to abandon their fields, further driving up food prices and inflation, contributing to Nigeria’s most severe cost of living crisis in decades. The removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu, who took office in May 2023, was aimed at reducing government expenditure but has led to higher transportation costs.
The study, conducted by development partners including the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organisation, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, and the German development agency GIZ, utilized data from a nutrition analysis by the Cadre Harmonisé, a regional food security framework.
Sanjo Faniran, Nigeria’s national convener of Food Systems and director of social development in the Budget and Economic Planning Ministry, noted that the study not only highlights gaps and challenges but also outlines successes and offers recommendations for addressing these issues.
