Nigeria faces severe hunger crisis affecting 33 million people

Three United Nations agencies have issued a dire warning, spotlighting an impending hunger crisis in Nigeria. Due to soaring inflation, climate impacts, and prolonged conflicts, the crisis is expected to affect over 33 million people by 2025. This marks a significant rise from the current 25 million requiring food assistance.

The joint statement by the World Food Programme (WFP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) highlighted the stark increase in food-insecure individuals, emphasizing the unprecedented scale of the crisis. “Never before have there been so many people in Nigeria without food,” stated Chi Lael, WFP Spokesperson, during a press briefing at the UN in Geneva.

The assessment indicates that immediate interventions are critical to prevent a full-blown food and nutrition catastrophe. This is particularly urgent in the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, which house around five million people already experiencing acute food insecurity. Additionally, emerging hotspots such as Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto states are also at increased risk.

The response strategy calls for a “immediate and massive” collective action focusing on prevention, mitigation, and life-saving aid. Proposed measures include providing vulnerable farmers with cash, seeds, and fertilizer to halt the spread of hunger, especially in rural areas. In addition, critical support in nutrition, health, food supply, and water and sanitation is required to mitigate the depth of the crisis.