Nigeria is grappling with a severe hunger crisis, with millions of its citizens enduring food Insecurity while the nation’s children suffer from rising malnutrition. The situation is worsened by the escalating violence in agricultural regions, particularly from terrorist groups and Fulani herdsmen. Farmers are fleeing their lands, causing a decline in food production, and resulting in soaring food prices. Staples such as chicken, rice, eggs, beans, and beef have become unaffordable for many, and fish, fruits, and basic vegetables have become rare commodities. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that 133 million Nigerians were living in multidimensional Poverty as of 2022. Meanwhile, the country’s Minimum Wage of ₦70,000 per month remains insufficient to address basic living costs, and Nigeria’s over-reliance on food imports only worsens the problem, with an annual bill of $16 billion.
The impact of this crisis is not limited to economic hardship. The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, recently highlighted a 32% increase in Malnutrition rates among children under five. She attributed this rise to a combination of economic pressures, forced migration, and the breakdown of family structures. The United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) also revealed that 33 million Nigerians are food insecure, including 2.5 million children suffering from severe malnutrition. Despite warnings from the World Food Programme in 2024 about the looming hunger crisis, the government failed to take adequate steps to mitigate the situation, further highlighting the lack of effective leadership in addressing the country’s growing food insecurity.
Government must invest fully in food production.
To combat this crisis, experts argue that the Nigerian government must prioritise Agriculture and invest heavily in improving food production. The country’s agricultural Infrastructure is in dire need of investment, with limited access to mechanised tools, poor rural roads, and inadequate Irrigation systems contributing to the crisis. Post-harvest losses are also significant, while the cost of transporting food has skyrocketed due to extortion and rising fuel prices. The government must tackle these challenges by improving rural infrastructure, eliminating unnecessary taxes, and providing incentives for farmers. These steps would ease the burden on food production, reducing the costs and making food more accessible to Nigerians.
Furthermore, Nigeria must learn from successful Food Security models in America and Europe where food Security is regarded as a critical state policy. These countries invest in agricultural subsidies, store surplus food during harvest, and prioritise food exports. The Netherlands, for example, generates $8 billion annually from food exports. With vast arable land, Nigeria has the potential to not only feed its population but also become a leading food exporter. State governors should collaborate to build a robust agricultural ecosystem, from fisheries and Poultry to Livestock and crops, creating an environment where agriculture can thrive despite the challenges.
Rural education is needed to equip younger generation with farming skills.
In addition to agricultural reforms, Nigeria must strengthen its rural Education system to equip the younger generation with modern farming skills. By focusing on agricultural education, young Nigerians can learn advanced farming techniques, sustainable practices, and the use of Technology to improve productivity. This could inspire youth to take up farming and agribusiness, helping to modernise the sector. Training young people in modern farming methods will ensure the country’s long-term food security by creating a new generation of skilled farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs.
A comprehensive approach to tackling Nigeria’s hunger crisis also requires Investment in healthcare, particularly for those affected by malnutrition. Malnourished children need immediate access to medical care and Nutrition support, as malnutrition undermines future productivity. Collaboration between the health and agriculture ministries is essential to ensure that children receive necessary interventions. Additionally, educating communities on proper nutrition can help prevent malnutrition in the long run, creating a healthier population and workforce for the future.
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Altogether, addressing Nigeria’s hunger crisis requires a comprehensive and sustained effort from all levels of government, the private sector, and civil society. The agricultural sector must be revitalised with strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and education, while prioritising the security of farmers. Equally important is tackling the rising rates of malnutrition through improved healthcare and nutrition programs, particularly for vulnerable populations. Only through a collaborative, multi-faceted approach can Nigeria hope to overcome its food insecurity challenges and build a sustainable future for its citizens.