Chris Okpoko
The “Global Hunger Index 2025” has not yet been published. Still, the 2024 Global Hunger Index indicated that hunger levels are “serious” or “alarming” in 42 countries, with progress remaining stagnant since 2016 due to conflicts, climate change, and economic downturns. Specifically, Nigeria ranked 110th out of 127 countries, facing a “serious” level of hunger with a score of 28.8. The report highlighted the worsening prevalence of acute food insecurity and malnutrition, with more than 295 million people in acute food insecurity across 53 countries and territories. In July 2025, Margot van der Velden, the World Food Program’s regional director for West Africa, stated that insecurity and funding cuts have put northern Nigeria in the grip of an ‘unprecedented hunger crisis’ that could leave more than 1.3 million people without food and force the closure of 150 nutrition clinics in Borno State.
The FAO’s State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2025 report shows that global hunger is declining slowly but remains above pre-pandemic levels, with 673 million people facing hunger in 2024. While some regions like Asia and Latin America saw improvements, hunger rose in Africa and Western Asia, driven by persistent food price inflation, conflict, climate extremes, and disparities in the challenges faced by countries and the policy options available to them.
In this regard, according to recent media reports, the United States has approved $32.5 million in assistance to Nigeria to help address hunger, in a rare shift in U.S. foreign policy since President Donald Trump suspended most aid through the U.S. Agency for International Development. The funding will provide food assistance and nutritional support to internally displaced people in conflict-affected areas, the U.S. mission to Nigeria said in a statement on Wednesday.
Similarly, further to a state of emergency on food security declared by President Bola Tinubu two years ago, as the federal government stepped up efforts to tackle food inflation following the removal of fuel subsidy, he has directed a Federal Executive Council (FEC) committee to implement urgent measures aimed at reducing food prices nationwide. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, disclosed this at a capacity-building workshop for Senate correspondents in Abuja last Wednesday.
Hunger remains one of the most pressing issues faced by Nigeria, a nation rich in resources yet plagued by challenges such as multidimensional poverty, insecurity, and high inflation. Before addressing potential solutions, it is vital to understand the depth of the hunger crisis in Nigeria. A combination of factors, including widespread poverty, the impacts of climate change, and internal conflicts, significantly exacerbate this crisis. Many rural communities, dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods, face systemic challenges that hinder food production and access. Additionally, urban areas experience food scarcity due to high inflation rates, which have significantly increased the cost of essential goods. The security issues and a shortage of food supply from the nation’s food basket may take a while to resolve. Despite efforts to boost domestic production, Nigeria’s growing population and high demand for certain food commodities often outpace local supply.
Immediate/short-term measure – review the list of food items prohibited from importation and allow credible entrepreneurs to import them to increase supply, pending the dismantling of the challenges to the local supply.
To effectively combat hunger, Nigeria must prioritize agricultural development. The agricultural sector is crucial for the economy, employing a significant portion of the labor force and providing food for the population. Here are some approaches to enhance agricultural output:
Mechanized farming: In February 2024, the media reported the intention of President Bola Tinubu to make Nigeria a major food exporter through “aggressive mechanized farming”. This is a good initiative. However, we must note that government programs like the Green Initiative and the Anchor Borrowers Scheme to boost the adoption of mechanization failed due to persistent challenges, including the need for a strong private sector, better access to foreign exchange for imported equipment, and improved farmer access to services like repairs and training. Therefore, the government should pursue this initiative in partnership with the private sector. Successful mechanized farming PPPs often involve Agricultural Equipment Hiring Enterprises (AEHEs), where private and public sectors collaborate to provide shared machinery access to smallholder farmers on a pay-as-you-go basis, fostering sustainability and access to mechanization.
Investment in Technology: Introducing modern farming techniques and technology can dramatically increase productivity. This includes precision farming, irrigation systems, and genetically modified crops that are resistant to pests and adverse weather conditions.
Access to Credit: Many smallholder farmers lack access to credit facilities, limiting their ability to invest in seeds, fertilizers, and equipment. Establishing microfinance banks can provide the necessary financial support while also implementing programs aimed at reducing interest rates for farmers.
Training and Education: Providing farmers with training on sustainable farming practices, pest management, and soil health can lead to better yields. Governments and NGOs should collaborate to offer workshops and courses that empower farmers with knowledge and skills.
Improved Infrastructure: Developing rural infrastructure, including roads and storage facilities, can significantly reduce post-harvest losses. By improving access to markets, farmers can sell their produce more efficiently, ensuring a steady income and better food distribution.
Diversification: Encouraging farmers to diversify their crops can reduce dependency on single crop production and increase resilience against market fluctuations and climate variability.
Food security is critical in alleviating hunger. It involves ensuring that all people have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. Strategies to achieve food security in Nigeria include:
- Establishing Food Banks: Food banks can play a crucial role in redistributing food surpluses to vulnerable populations. Collaborating with NGOs and businesses can facilitate the establishment of food banks that not only provide immediate relief but also promote long-term food security.
- Government Policies: Crafting policies that ensure equitable distribution of food and essential resources can help reach those most in need. Implementing price controls on staple foods can prevent exploitation during times of crisis.
- Community-Led Initiatives: Engaging communities in food production and distribution can enhance self-sufficiency. Local initiatives that focus on community gardens, farmer cooperatives, and local markets can drive food security while fostering social cohesion.
Insecurity in Nigeria, in the Northern regions, is affected by Boko Haram insurgencies and banditry. The South-West experiences high rates of armed robbery and violent crimes like kidnapping and carjacking; the South-South (Niger Delta) faces militancy, cultism, and piracy; and the South-East is plagued by non-state actors, separatist movements, coordinated attacks by unknown gunmen, and farmer-herder clashes. The violence disrupts agricultural activities and displaces communities, making it difficult for them to cultivate their lands. To address these issues:
- Strengthening Security Forces: Enhancing the capacity of security forces to combat insurgency and protect farmers is essential. The government needs to invest in equipping and training these forces to ensure safe agricultural practices.
- Community Engagement: Involving local communities in security efforts can yield positive results. Local vigilance groups can work with official forces to monitor and report suspicious activities, creating a safer environment for farming.
- Rehabilitation Programs: For areas affected by conflict, rehabilitation programs that provide housing, education, and job opportunities can help displaced individuals reintegrate into society and resume agricultural activities.
Tackling Economic Challenges: High inflation has made it increasingly difficult for many Nigerians to afford basic food items. To address this issue, the following economic strategies can be adopted:
- Stabilizing Currency: The government should implement policies aimed at stabilizing the naira to mitigate inflation’s impact on food prices. This may involve monetary policy adjustments and promoting local production to reduce dependence on imports.
- Enhancing Market Access: Facilitating better access to local and international markets can help stabilize prices and ensure farmers receive fair compensation for their products.
- Encouraging Foreign Investment: Attracting foreign investment into the agriculture sector can provide the necessary capital for technological advancements and infrastructure development.
Finally, education is crucial in the fight against hunger. Many Nigerians lack awareness about nutrition and healthy eating practices, leading to poor dietary choices. Initiatives to raise awareness include:
- Nutrition Education Programs: Implementing nationwide campaigns to educate citizens about balanced diets, food preparation, and the importance of nutrition can empower individuals to make better food choices.
- School Feeding Programs: Integrating nutrition education into schools, along with providing meals can create a foundation for a healthier future generation. This approach not only addresses hunger but also promotes education and attendance.
- Public Health Campaigns: Government and NGOs should conduct public health campaigns focusing on the importance of nutrition, breastfeeding, and cooking practices that maximize nutrient retention.
In conclusion, ameliorating hunger in Nigeria is a complex challenge that requires coordinated efforts across various sectors. By investing in agricultural development, ensuring food security, addressing insecurity, stabilizing the economy, and raising awareness about nutrition, Nigeria can pave the way toward a future where hunger is no longer a persistent threat. All stakeholders—government, private sector, and civil society must work together to implement these strategies effectively. Only through comprehensive and sustained efforts can Nigeria hope to eradicate hunger and improve the quality of life for its citizens.