Imminent hunger loading as 33 Million Nigerians face deep food crisis by 2025 occasioned by insecurity in the North

Nigeria is on the brink of a severe food crisis, with projections indicating that over 33 million people will experience food insecurity by August 2025, marking an alarming increase of 7 million from current figures. This grim forecast emerges from a joint report released by the federal government and the United Nations, highlighting the critical factors contributing to this crisis.

The report attributes the escalating food insecurity to a combination of economic hardship, record high inflation, soaring food prices, and skyrocketing transportation costs. In June, Nigeria’s inflation rate hit a 28-year high of 34.19%, with food inflation surpassing 40%. These figures reflect the worst cost of living crisis in nearly three decades, further exacerbated by recent economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu that have led to increased input costs for agriculture and higher energy prices.

Insecurity, particularly in northern Nigeria, has severely disrupted agricultural production. Farmers are increasingly targeted by armed groups, leading to tragic losses; reports indicate that approximately 1,356 farmers were killed in just one year. The impact of insecurity has led to a rise in internally displaced persons (IDPs) and widespread abandonment of farms.

Additionally, adverse weather conditions, including devastating floods last month, have compounded the crisis, damaging an estimated 1.6 million hectares of crops in key agricultural regions. The floods are projected to result in a production loss of 1.1 million tonnes for essential crops like maize, sorghum, and rice.

In response to the unfolding crisis, the federal government has allocated N3 billion to support the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, but experts warn that without comprehensive measures to address the underlying issues of insecurity and economic instability, millions of Nigerians will continue to face hunger and food insecurity in the coming years.

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