At least 33 million Nigerians are expected to be food insecure and would face worst hunger crisis in the next few months across the country.
A joint report by the federal government and the United Nations published on Friday said the figure is an increase from about 25 million people that faced similar food crisis in 2024.
WikkiTimes reports that Nigeria is struggling with a cost-of-living crisis that led to deadly #endbadgovernance protest earlier in August.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu had removed fuel subsidy and devalued the naira which plunged many Nigerians below the poverty line.
The analysis, conducted twice a year in 26 states and the federal capital, projected that 33.1 million people would be food insecure by August next year.
“Several factors are driving this trend, but most prominently are economic hardship coupled with record high inflation, a record rise in food prices and record high transportation costs,” a statement accompanying the report said.
Chi Lael, World Food Programme spokesperson in Nigeria told journalists in Abuja that “economic decisions to strengthen the country in the long term, in the short term have felt like a direct attack on people’s wallets, hitting hardest every time they try to buy food.”
Finance Minister Wale Edun said on Thursday that 5 million households had so far received cash support of 25, 000 naira as part of the government effort to support the most vulnerable families cope with the situation.
High food prices have contributed the most to inflation, which advanced to 32.70% in annual terms in September from 32.15% in August.
Flooding and insecurity in northern states continued to hit agriculture, further driving up food prices beyond the reach of many families.
Last month’s floods destroyed an estimated 1.6 million hectares of crops, mainly in the northern food basket states, potentially causing production losses of a combined 1.1 million tonnes for maize, sorghum and rice, the joint statement said.
Aminu Adamu is the Managing Editor at WikkiTimes, where he oversees editorial processes and contributes to impactful journalism. His reporting focuses on accountability at the grassroots level, climate change, and other underreported issues, particularly within subnational contexts.
Aminu has conducted investigative stories that have been cross-published by reputable media outlets, showcasing his dedication to uncovering critical issues and promoting transparency. In 2023, he was selected as a GovSpend Media Fellow, further cementing his expertise in tracking public spending and governance.
