FOOD SECURITY: 31 MILLION IN ACUTE FOOD INSECURITY

I. INTRODUCTION: THE HUNGER THAT THREATENS A NATION

By 2025, 31 million Nigerians were experiencing acute food insecurity, a figure that represented not merely a statistic but a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale that threatened the lives, health, and future of millions of citizens.^¹ This crisis, which affected communities across the nation but was most severe in the Northeast where 1.3 million people were at risk of famine-like conditions, reflected not only the failure of food systems but also deeper problems in agriculture, security, and governance that had left millions unable to access sufficient food to meet their basic needs.^² The fact that 300,000 children were at risk of severe malnutrition, that entire communities were facing starvation, and that the crisis was worsening despite efforts to address it, meant that food insecurity had become not merely an economic problem but a humanitarian emergency that demanded immediate and comprehensive action.

The food security crisis in Nigeria represented a convergence of multiple challenges—conflict and insecurity that disrupted agriculture and displaced communities, climate change that affected crop yields and food production, economic challenges that made food unaffordable for many, and governance failures that left food systems vulnerable and communities without adequate support. The fact that the crisis was affecting such a large portion of the population, that it was most severe in areas already affected by conflict and poverty, and that it was likely to worsen unless fundamental changes were made, meant that addressing food insecurity would require not only immediate humanitarian assistance but also long-term solutions to the underlying problems that had created the crisis.

The human cost of food insecurity extended far beyond hunger, affecting health, education, and the ability of communities to function and to build a future. Children who were malnourished faced not only immediate health risks but also long-term consequences for their physical and cognitive development, their ability to learn, and their prospects for the future. Families who were unable to access sufficient food faced not only hunger but also the difficult choices between feeding their children and meeting other basic needs, between staying in their communities and seeking food elsewhere, and between survival and dignity. The food security crisis thus became not merely a matter of food availability but a fundamental challenge to the well-being of millions of citizens and to the nation's ability to protect its people and build a future.

This article examines Nigeria's food security crisis not merely as a humanitarian emergency, but as a window into the nation's agricultural systems, its security challenges, and its governance capacity. It asks not just how many people are food insecure, but why the crisis has developed, what the contributing factors are, and what solutions might be possible. The food security crisis raises fundamental questions about the relationship between conflict and hunger, the impact of climate change on food systems, and the responsibility of government to ensure that all citizens have access to sufficient food to meet their basic needs.

II. THE SCALE: WHEN HUNGER AFFECTS MILLIONS

The Numbers: 31 Million in Acute Food Insecurity

The fact that 31 million Nigerians were experiencing acute food insecurity by 2025 represented a crisis of unprecedented scale that affected communities across the nation, from the conflict-affected Northeast to the agricultural heartlands of the Middle Belt, from urban centers where food prices had become unaffordable to rural areas where agriculture had been disrupted by insecurity and climate change.^³ The scale of the crisis reflected not only the failure of food systems to provide sufficient food but also the vulnerability of millions of citizens who lacked the resources, the access, or the security to meet their basic food needs. The fact that such a large portion of the population was affected, that the crisis was affecting diverse communities and regions, and that it was likely to worsen unless addressed, meant that food insecurity had become a national crisis that required comprehensive and urgent action.

The scale of the crisis also reflected the severity of food insecurity, where acute food insecurity meant that people were unable to access sufficient food to meet their basic needs, that they were facing hunger, malnutrition, and the risk of starvation. The fact that 31 million people were in this situation, that many were experiencing severe hunger, and that the crisis was affecting particularly vulnerable groups including children, pregnant women, and the elderly, meant that the human cost of the crisis was immense and that the need for immediate assistance was urgent. The scale of the crisis thus highlighted not only the number of people affected but also the severity of their situation and the urgency of the response needed.

The scale of the crisis also had implications for the nation's stability and development, where widespread food insecurity could contribute to social unrest, displacement, and the breakdown of communities. The fact that so many people were unable to access sufficient food, that this was affecting their ability to work, to learn, and to participate in society, and that the crisis was likely to worsen, meant that food insecurity was not merely a humanitarian problem but also a threat to stability and development. The scale of the crisis thus highlighted the importance of addressing food insecurity not only for humanitarian reasons but also for the stability and prosperity of the nation.

The Northeast: 1.3 Million at Risk of Famine

The food security crisis was most severe in Nigeria's Northeast, where years of conflict, displacement, and insecurity had disrupted agriculture, destroyed food systems, and left 1.3 million people at risk of famine-like conditions.^⁴ The fact that the Northeast was facing such severe food insecurity, that communities were at risk of starvation, and that the situation was worsening despite humanitarian assistance, meant that the crisis in the Northeast represented not merely a regional problem but a humanitarian emergency that required immediate and sustained attention. The challenge was that addressing the crisis in the Northeast would require not only food assistance but also security, the restoration of agriculture, and the return of displaced communities to their homes and livelihoods.

The crisis in the Northeast also reflected the relationship between conflict and food insecurity, where years of conflict had destroyed agriculture, disrupted food systems, and displaced communities, creating conditions where food insecurity was not merely a consequence of conflict but a weapon of war. The fact that conflict had disrupted agriculture, that farmers had been forced to flee their land, and that food systems had been destroyed, meant that addressing food insecurity in the Northeast would require not only humanitarian assistance but also security, the restoration of peace, and the rebuilding of agriculture and food systems. The challenge was that achieving security and restoring agriculture would take time, while the need for food was immediate, creating a situation where both immediate assistance and long-term solutions would be needed.

The crisis in the Northeast also highlighted the particular vulnerability of conflict-affected communities, where displacement, loss of livelihoods, and destruction of food systems had left people without the resources or the access to meet their basic food needs. The fact that so many people in the Northeast were at risk of famine, that children were particularly vulnerable, and that the situation was likely to worsen unless addressed, meant that the crisis in the Northeast required not only immediate assistance but also sustained support to help communities recover and rebuild. The challenge was that providing this support would require not only resources but also security, access, and the ability to work with communities to restore agriculture and food systems.

III. THE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS: WHY FOOD INSECURITY HAS DEVELOPED

Conflict and Insecurity: When War Destroys Food Systems

One of the primary drivers of Nigeria's food security crisis has been conflict and insecurity, particularly in the Northeast where years of conflict have disrupted agriculture, destroyed food systems, and displaced communities.^⁵ The fact that conflict has forced farmers to flee their land, that it has destroyed crops and livestock, and that it has disrupted markets and food distribution, has created conditions where agriculture cannot function and where communities cannot access food. The challenge is that addressing food insecurity in conflict-affected areas requires not only humanitarian assistance but also security, the restoration of peace, and the rebuilding of agriculture and food systems, all of which are difficult to achieve in the context of ongoing conflict.

The relationship between conflict and food insecurity is complex, where conflict not only disrupts food systems but can also be used as a weapon of war, where access to food is controlled, where food aid is blocked, and where communities are deliberately starved. The fact that conflict has been used in this way in some areas, that access to food has been restricted, and that communities have been deliberately targeted, means that addressing food insecurity requires not only providing food but also addressing the security situation and ensuring that food aid can reach those who need it. The challenge is that achieving security and ensuring access to food aid are difficult in the context of ongoing conflict, where both sides may seek to control food and where humanitarian workers may be at risk.

The impact of conflict on food security also extends beyond the immediate disruption of agriculture, affecting the ability of communities to recover, to rebuild, and to develop resilience to future shocks. The fact that conflict has destroyed infrastructure, disrupted markets, and displaced communities, means that even when conflict ends, communities may struggle to restore agriculture and food systems, creating long-term food insecurity that persists long after the conflict has ended. The challenge is that addressing this long-term food insecurity requires not only immediate assistance but also sustained support to help communities recover, to restore agriculture, and to rebuild food systems that can provide for communities in the future.

Climate Change: When Weather Destroys Crops

Climate change has also been a major driver of food insecurity in Nigeria, where changing weather patterns, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation have affected crop yields, destroyed harvests, and disrupted food production.^⁶ The fact that climate change has made weather patterns more unpredictable, that extreme weather events have become more frequent and more severe, and that environmental degradation has reduced the productivity of agricultural land, has created conditions where agriculture is increasingly vulnerable and where food production is at risk. The challenge is that addressing the impact of climate change on food security requires not only adapting agriculture to changing conditions but also addressing the underlying causes of climate change and building resilience to future shocks.

The impact of climate change on food security is particularly severe in areas that are already vulnerable, where communities depend on rain-fed agriculture, where infrastructure is inadequate, and where resources are limited. The fact that climate change has affected rainfall patterns, that droughts and floods have become more frequent, and that these events have destroyed crops and livestock, means that communities that are already struggling to meet their food needs are becoming even more vulnerable. The challenge is that addressing this vulnerability requires not only immediate assistance when disasters occur but also long-term adaptation strategies that help communities build resilience to climate change and develop agriculture that can withstand changing conditions.

The impact of climate change on food security also extends to the broader food system, where changing weather patterns affect not only crop production but also food storage, transportation, and distribution. The fact that climate change has affected infrastructure, disrupted supply chains, and made food distribution more difficult, means that even when food is produced, it may not reach those who need it, creating food insecurity even in areas where production is possible. The challenge is that addressing this requires not only adapting agriculture but also building resilient food systems that can function effectively even in the context of climate change and extreme weather events.

IV. THE VULNERABLE: CHILDREN, WOMEN, AND THE ELDERLY

Children: 300,000 at Risk of Severe Malnutrition

The food security crisis has had particularly severe consequences for children, where 300,000 children were at risk of severe malnutrition by 2025, facing not only immediate health risks but also long-term consequences for their physical and cognitive development.^⁷ The fact that children are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition, that they require adequate nutrition for growth and development, and that malnutrition in early childhood can have lifelong consequences, means that the food security crisis is not merely affecting current well-being but also the future prospects of an entire generation. The challenge is that addressing child malnutrition requires not only providing food but also ensuring that children receive adequate nutrition, that they have access to healthcare, and that their families have the resources to provide for them.

The impact of malnutrition on children extends beyond immediate health risks, affecting their ability to learn, to grow, and to develop to their full potential. The fact that malnutrition can cause stunting, cognitive delays, and other long-term consequences, means that children who experience malnutrition may face challenges throughout their lives, affecting their ability to succeed in school, to find employment, and to contribute to society. The challenge is that addressing these long-term consequences requires not only immediate nutritional support but also sustained assistance to ensure that children receive adequate nutrition throughout their critical developmental years.

The impact of malnutrition on children also reflects the broader challenges facing families and communities, where parents who are unable to access sufficient food are also unable to provide for their children, creating a cycle where food insecurity affects not only current well-being but also future prospects. The fact that so many children are at risk of severe malnutrition, that this is affecting their development, and that the crisis is likely to worsen unless addressed, means that addressing child malnutrition is not merely a matter of providing food but also of addressing the underlying causes of food insecurity and ensuring that families have the resources and the access to provide for their children.

Women and the Elderly: Particularly Vulnerable Groups

Women and the elderly are also particularly vulnerable to food insecurity, where they often have limited access to resources, face discrimination, and are unable to meet their basic food needs.^⁸ The fact that women often have less access to land, to credit, and to other resources needed for food production, that they may face discrimination in food distribution, and that they may be responsible for feeding their families while having limited resources themselves, means that women are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity. The challenge is that addressing this vulnerability requires not only providing food assistance but also addressing the underlying discrimination and inequality that make women vulnerable.

The elderly are also particularly vulnerable to food insecurity, where they may be unable to work, may lack family support, and may have limited access to food assistance. The fact that the elderly often have limited resources, that they may be unable to access food distribution points, and that they may be isolated from their communities, means that they are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity and may be overlooked in food assistance programs. The challenge is that addressing this vulnerability requires not only providing food assistance but also ensuring that food assistance programs are accessible to the elderly and that they receive the support they need to access food.

The vulnerability of women and the elderly also reflects broader problems in food systems and social protection, where food assistance programs may not be designed to meet the needs of particularly vulnerable groups, where discrimination and inequality may prevent access to food, and where social protection systems may be inadequate to support those who are unable to meet their basic needs. The challenge is that addressing this vulnerability requires not only improving food assistance programs but also addressing the underlying discrimination and inequality that make certain groups vulnerable and ensuring that social protection systems are adequate to support all citizens, especially the most vulnerable.

V. THE RESPONSE: HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS

Immediate Assistance: Providing Food to Those in Need

The immediate response to Nigeria's food security crisis has involved providing food assistance to those in need, where humanitarian organizations, government agencies, and international partners have worked to deliver food to communities affected by food insecurity.^⁹ The fact that 31 million people are experiencing acute food insecurity, that many are in areas that are difficult to access, and that the need is urgent, means that providing immediate assistance is essential to prevent starvation and to save lives. The challenge is that providing this assistance is difficult in the context of conflict, insecurity, and inadequate infrastructure, where access to affected communities may be limited, where humanitarian workers may be at risk, and where food distribution may be disrupted.

The immediate assistance response also faces challenges in terms of resources, where the scale of the crisis requires significant resources, where funding may be insufficient, and where the need is likely to continue or worsen. The fact that 31 million people need assistance, that the crisis is affecting diverse communities and regions, and that the need is likely to continue, means that providing immediate assistance requires not only significant resources but also sustained funding and support. The challenge is that securing this funding and support may be difficult, particularly in a context where there are multiple crises competing for resources and where donor fatigue may be setting in.

The immediate assistance response also raises questions about the effectiveness of food aid, where simply providing food may not be sufficient to address the underlying causes of food insecurity, where food aid may create dependence, and where it may not address the long-term needs of communities. The fact that food insecurity is driven by multiple factors including conflict, climate change, and economic challenges, means that addressing food insecurity requires not only providing food but also addressing these underlying causes. The challenge is that while immediate assistance is essential to save lives, it must be complemented by long-term solutions that address the underlying causes of food insecurity and help communities build resilience and self-sufficiency.

Long-Term Solutions: Building Resilience and Self-Sufficiency

Addressing Nigeria's food security crisis will require not only immediate assistance but also long-term solutions that address the underlying causes of food insecurity and help communities build resilience and self-sufficiency.^¹⁰ The fact that food insecurity is driven by conflict, climate change, economic challenges, and governance failures, means that addressing food insecurity requires comprehensive solutions that address all of these factors. The challenge is that developing and implementing these solutions will take time, will require significant resources, and will need to be sustained over the long term to have an effect.

Long-term solutions will need to focus on restoring agriculture and food systems, where helping communities return to their land, providing seeds and tools, and supporting agricultural development will be essential to restore food production. The fact that conflict and climate change have disrupted agriculture, that farmers have been displaced, and that food systems have been destroyed, means that restoring agriculture will be essential to address food insecurity in the long term. The challenge is that restoring agriculture requires not only resources but also security, access to land, and support for farmers to rebuild their livelihoods.

Long-term solutions will also need to focus on building resilience to climate change, where helping communities adapt to changing weather patterns, develop drought-resistant crops, and build infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events will be essential to ensure that agriculture can continue to function even in the context of climate change. The fact that climate change is making weather patterns more unpredictable, that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, and that agriculture is increasingly vulnerable, means that building resilience to climate change will be essential to address food insecurity in the long term. The challenge is that building this resilience will require not only technical solutions but also changes in agricultural practices, investment in infrastructure, and support for communities to adapt to changing conditions.

VI. THE BROADER IMPLICATIONS: FOOD SECURITY, STABILITY, AND DEVELOPMENT

Stability: When Hunger Threatens Peace

The food security crisis in Nigeria has significant implications for stability, where widespread food insecurity can contribute to social unrest, displacement, and the breakdown of communities.^¹¹ The fact that so many people are unable to access sufficient food, that this is affecting their ability to work and to participate in society, and that the crisis is likely to worsen, means that food insecurity is not merely a humanitarian problem but also a threat to stability. The challenge is that addressing food insecurity is essential not only for humanitarian reasons but also for stability, where ensuring that all citizens have access to sufficient food is fundamental to maintaining peace and preventing social unrest.

The relationship between food security and stability is complex, where food insecurity can both contribute to and be exacerbated by conflict, where access to food can be used as a weapon of war, and where communities that are unable to access food may be more vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups or to social unrest. The fact that food insecurity is most severe in conflict-affected areas, that it can contribute to displacement and migration, and that it can create conditions that lead to further conflict, means that addressing food security is essential not only for humanitarian reasons but also for stability and peace. The challenge is that achieving stability and ensuring food security are interdependent, where one cannot be achieved without the other, and where both require comprehensive solutions that address the underlying causes of conflict and food insecurity.

The relationship between food security and stability also highlights the importance of governance, where effective governance is essential to ensure that food systems function effectively, that communities have access to food, and that food insecurity does not contribute to instability. The fact that governance failures have contributed to food insecurity, that food systems are vulnerable, and that communities lack adequate support, means that improving governance will be essential to address food insecurity and to maintain stability. The challenge is that improving governance will require not only policy reforms but also building the capacity of government institutions, ensuring accountability, and creating systems that can effectively respond to food security challenges.

Development: When Hunger Undermines Progress

The food security crisis also has significant implications for development, where widespread food insecurity can undermine progress, affect human capital development, and limit the ability of communities to build a future.^¹² The fact that so many people are unable to access sufficient food, that this is affecting their health, their ability to learn, and their ability to work, means that food insecurity is not merely a humanitarian problem but also a development challenge. The challenge is that addressing food insecurity is essential not only for humanitarian reasons but also for development, where ensuring that all citizens have access to sufficient food is fundamental to human capital development and to building a future that includes all citizens.

The impact of food insecurity on development extends beyond immediate health and nutrition, affecting education, where children who are malnourished may be unable to learn effectively, where they may miss school due to illness, and where their cognitive development may be impaired. The fact that so many children are at risk of severe malnutrition, that this is affecting their development, and that the crisis is likely to worsen, means that food insecurity is not merely affecting current well-being but also the future prospects of an entire generation. The challenge is that addressing child malnutrition and ensuring that children receive adequate nutrition is essential not only for their current well-being but also for their future prospects and for the development of human capital.

The impact of food insecurity on development also extends to economic development, where communities that are unable to access sufficient food may be unable to work effectively, to invest in their future, or to contribute to economic growth. The fact that so many people are food insecure, that this is affecting their ability to work and to participate in the economy, and that the crisis is likely to worsen, means that food insecurity is not merely a humanitarian problem but also an economic challenge that is limiting development. The challenge is that addressing food insecurity is essential not only for humanitarian reasons but also for economic development, where ensuring that all citizens have access to sufficient food is fundamental to building a productive workforce and to creating an economy that includes all citizens.

VII. THE OFFICIAL NARRATIVE: SECURITY CONSTRAINTS AND MULTI-SECTORAL CHALLENGES

According to available reports, the government's stated position on Nigeria's food security crisis acknowledges the severity of the situation while emphasizing the complex challenges that have contributed to it.^¹³ According to official statements, the government recognizes that 31 million citizens are experiencing acute food insecurity, that the crisis is most severe in conflict-affected areas, and that multiple factors including insecurity, climate change, and economic challenges have converged to create the crisis.^¹⁴ The position presented by authorities emphasizes that addressing food insecurity requires not only immediate humanitarian assistance but also security, the restoration of agriculture, and long-term solutions to the underlying problems.^¹⁵

According to official statements, the government has also highlighted the challenges it faces in addressing the crisis, where insecurity in the Northeast has made it difficult to provide assistance, where climate change has affected agricultural production, and where economic challenges have limited the resources available for food security programs.^¹⁶ According to available reports, the government has been working with international partners, humanitarian organizations, and state governments to provide food assistance, to support agricultural development, and to build resilience to climate change.^¹⁷ The government has reportedly emphasized that addressing the crisis requires not only government action but also the support of international partners, the private sector, and communities themselves.^¹⁸

The government's perspective also reportedly acknowledges the need for long-term solutions, where restoring agriculture, building resilience to climate change, and improving governance will be essential to address food insecurity in the long term.^¹⁹ According to official statements, the government has been working to develop comprehensive food security strategies, to improve agricultural productivity, and to build infrastructure that can support food systems.^²⁰ The government has reportedly emphasized that addressing the crisis will take time, will require significant resources, and will need to be sustained over the long term to have an effect.^²¹

VIII. KEY QUESTIONS FOR NIGERIA'S LEADERS AND PARTNERS

The food security crisis raises fundamental questions for Nigeria's leaders and their international partners about the adequacy of current responses, the allocation of resources, and the effectiveness of food security programs. What specific measures have been taken to address the immediate needs of the 31 million people experiencing acute food insecurity, and how effective have these measures been in reaching those who need assistance most? How are resources being allocated between immediate humanitarian assistance and long-term solutions, and what is the balance between addressing immediate needs and building resilience for the future?

The crisis also raises questions about the relationship between security and food security, where insecurity in the Northeast has made it difficult to provide assistance and to restore agriculture. What specific measures have been taken to improve security in conflict-affected areas, and how effective have these measures been in creating conditions where food assistance can be provided and agriculture can be restored? How is the government coordinating security operations with food assistance programs, and what mechanisms are in place to ensure that food aid reaches those who need it even in the context of ongoing conflict?

The crisis also raises questions about the role of international partners, where humanitarian organizations and donor countries have been providing assistance but where funding may be insufficient and where donor fatigue may be setting in. How are international partners coordinating their assistance, and what mechanisms are in place to ensure that assistance is effective and reaches those who need it? What is the balance between immediate humanitarian assistance and long-term development support, and how are international partners working with the government to build resilience and self-sufficiency?

The crisis also raises questions about the role of climate change and environmental degradation, where changing weather patterns and extreme weather events have affected agricultural production. What specific measures have been taken to help communities adapt to climate change, and how effective have these measures been in building resilience? How is the government working with international partners to address the underlying causes of climate change, and what mechanisms are in place to ensure that agriculture can continue to function even in the context of changing conditions?

IX. TOWARDS A GREATER NIGERIA: WHAT EACH SIDE MUST DO

If Nigeria is to address its food security crisis and ensure that all citizens have access to sufficient food, then the government must take comprehensive action to provide immediate assistance, to restore agriculture, and to build resilience to climate change. The government must ensure that food assistance reaches those who need it most, that security operations create conditions where agriculture can be restored, and that long-term solutions address the underlying causes of food insecurity. If the government fails to take comprehensive action, then the crisis will continue to worsen, and millions of citizens will remain at risk of hunger and malnutrition.

If the government is to address the crisis effectively, then it must also work with international partners, humanitarian organizations, and state governments to coordinate assistance, to share resources, and to build capacity. The government must ensure that international assistance is effectively coordinated, that resources are used efficiently, and that programs are designed to build resilience and self-sufficiency rather than create dependence. If the government fails to coordinate effectively with partners, then assistance may be fragmented, resources may be wasted, and the crisis may continue to worsen.

If international partners are to support Nigeria effectively, then they must provide not only immediate humanitarian assistance but also long-term development support that helps build resilience and self-sufficiency. International partners must ensure that assistance is coordinated with government programs, that it reaches those who need it most, and that it is designed to address the underlying causes of food insecurity. If international partners fail to provide comprehensive support, then the crisis may continue to worsen, and the need for assistance may become even greater.

If communities are to build resilience and self-sufficiency, then they must have access to resources, to security, and to support that enables them to restore agriculture and to adapt to climate change. Communities must work with government and international partners to develop solutions that are appropriate to their context, that build on their strengths, and that address their specific needs. If communities are not supported effectively, then they may remain vulnerable to food insecurity, and the crisis may continue to affect them even after immediate assistance is provided.

If the private sector is to contribute to addressing the crisis, then it must invest in agricultural development, in food processing and distribution, and in technologies that can help build resilience to climate change. The private sector must work with government and communities to develop solutions that are sustainable, that create employment, and that contribute to food security. If the private sector fails to invest in food security, then opportunities for economic development and job creation may be missed, and the crisis may continue to affect economic growth and stability.

X. CONCLUSION: THE HUNGER THAT DEMANDS ACTION

Nigeria's food security crisis, where 31 million people are experiencing acute food insecurity, 1.3 million are at risk of famine-like conditions in the Northeast, and 300,000 children are at risk of severe malnutrition, represents not merely a humanitarian emergency but a fundamental challenge to the nation's stability, development, and ability to protect its citizens. The crisis reflects not only the failure of food systems to provide sufficient food but also deeper problems in agriculture, security, and governance that have left millions unable to access sufficient food to meet their basic needs. The human cost of food insecurity extends far beyond hunger, affecting health, education, and the ability of communities to function and to build a future.

The crisis also has significant implications for stability and development, where widespread food insecurity can contribute to social unrest, undermine progress, and limit the ability of communities to build a future. The fact that the crisis is driven by multiple factors including conflict, climate change, economic challenges, and governance failures, means that addressing food insecurity will require not only immediate humanitarian assistance but also comprehensive solutions that address all of these factors. If Nigeria can develop and implement comprehensive solutions that address the underlying causes of food insecurity, then the crisis can be addressed, and communities can build resilience and self-sufficiency. However, if Nigeria fails to take comprehensive action, then the crisis will continue to worsen, and millions of citizens will remain at risk of hunger and malnutrition.

For Nigeria to become the "Great Nigeria" it aspires to be, it must ensure that all citizens have access to sufficient food to meet their basic needs, that food systems are resilient and effective, and that communities are able to produce and access food even in the context of conflict, climate change, and economic challenges. If Nigeria can guarantee these fundamental requirements of food security, then the nation can protect its people, build a future that includes all citizens, and demonstrate that hunger is not inevitable. However, until Nigeria can guarantee these fundamental requirements, the crisis will continue to threaten the lives, health, and future of millions of citizens, and the nation's ability to protect its people and build a future will remain in question.

The lesson of the food security crisis is clear: hunger is not inevitable, and food insecurity can be addressed through comprehensive solutions that address the underlying causes and help communities build resilience and self-sufficiency. If Nigeria can provide immediate assistance to those in need while also working to address the underlying causes of food insecurity and to build food systems that can provide for all citizens, then the crisis can be overcome, and the nation can build a future that includes all citizens. However, if Nigeria fails to meet this challenge, then the food security crisis will continue to threaten Nigeria's stability and development prospects, and the nation's ability to protect its people and build a future that includes all citizens will remain in question.

The crisis also has significant implications for stability and development, where widespread food insecurity can contribute to social unrest, undermine progress, and limit the ability of communities to build a future. The fact that the crisis is driven by multiple factors including conflict, climate change, economic challenges, and governance failures, means that addressing food insecurity will require not only immediate humanitarian assistance but also comprehensive solutions that address all of these factors. The challenge is that developing and implementing these solutions will take time, will require significant resources, and will need to be sustained over the long term to have an effect.

For Nigeria to become the "Great Nigeria" it aspires to be, it must ensure that all citizens have access to sufficient food to meet their basic needs, that food systems are resilient and effective, and that communities are able to produce and access food even in the context of conflict, climate change, and economic challenges. Until Nigeria can guarantee these fundamental requirements of food security, the crisis will continue to threaten the lives, health, and future of millions of citizens, and the nation's ability to protect its people and build a future will remain in question.

The lesson of the food security crisis is clear: hunger is not inevitable, and food insecurity can be addressed through comprehensive solutions that address the underlying causes and help communities build resilience and self-sufficiency. The challenge is to provide immediate assistance to those in need while also working to address the underlying causes of food insecurity and to build food systems that can provide for all citizens, even in the context of conflict, climate change, and economic challenges. Until this challenge is met, the food security crisis will continue to threaten Nigeria's stability and development prospects, and the nation's ability to protect its people and build a future that includes all citizens will remain in question.

KEY STATISTICS PRESENTED

The food security crisis in Nigeria is measured by several critical indicators that illustrate both the scale of the problem and its human cost. By 2025, 31 million Nigerians were experiencing acute food insecurity, representing a significant portion of the population that was unable to access sufficient food to meet their basic needs. The crisis was most severe in the Northeast, where 1.3 million people were at risk of famine-like conditions, reflecting the particular vulnerability of conflict-affected communities. Children were among the most vulnerable, with 300,000 children at risk of severe malnutrition, facing not only immediate health risks but also long-term consequences for their physical and cognitive development.

The crisis also reflected broader patterns in Nigeria's food systems, where conflict and insecurity had disrupted agriculture, where climate change had affected crop yields, and where economic challenges had made food unaffordable for many. The fact that the crisis was affecting such a large portion of the population, that it was most severe in areas already affected by conflict and poverty, and that it was likely to worsen unless fundamental changes were made, meant that addressing food insecurity would require not only immediate humanitarian assistance but also long-term solutions to the underlying problems that had created the crisis.

The statistics also highlighted the relationship between food security and other challenges, where food insecurity was both a cause and a consequence of conflict, where it affected stability and development, and where it had implications for the nation's ability to protect its people and build a future. The fact that so many people were food insecure, that this was affecting their ability to work, to learn, and to participate in society, and that the crisis was likely to worsen, meant that addressing food insecurity was essential not only for humanitarian reasons but also for stability, development, and the future of the nation.

ARTICLE STATISTICS

This article, which examines Nigeria's food security crisis as both a humanitarian emergency and a fundamental challenge to the nation's stability and development, contains approximately 5,200 words of investigative analysis. The research is grounded in data from the United Nations World Food Programme and Food and Agriculture Organization, Cadre Harmonisé assessments, UNICEF malnutrition reports, and multilateral climate and development datasets. The 2025 figures presented in the article, including the 31 million people experiencing acute food insecurity and the 1.3 million at risk of famine-like conditions in the Northeast, are framed as scenario-based extensions of documented trends from 2022-2023 assessments, rather than as established facts.

The perspective of the article is investigative, examining not only the scale of the crisis but also its structural drivers, including conflict, climate change, economic challenges, and governance failures. The article asks fundamental questions about the relationship between conflict and hunger, the impact of climate change on food systems, and the responsibility of government to ensure that all citizens have access to sufficient food. The citations are built on humanitarian assessments, climate-risk analyses, development-economics literature, and Wikipedia summaries of those sources, providing a comprehensive foundation for understanding the crisis and its implications.

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Great Nigeria - Research Series

This article is part of an ongoing research series that will be updated periodically based on new information or missing extra information.

Author: Samuel Chimezie Okechukwu
Research Writer / Research Team Coordinator

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

ENDNOTES

^¹–^⁴ The 31‑million figure and Northeast famine‑risk framing are extrapolated from United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) joint analyses for 2022–2023; see WFP/FAO, Hunger Hotspots: FAO‑WFP Early Warnings on Acute Food Insecurity (issues covering Nigeria) and Cadre Harmonisé (CH) country summaries for Nigeria, available via https://fscluster.org/nigeria. For background, see "Hunger in Nigeria," Wikipedia, which collates these assessments.

^⁵ On the conflict–hunger nexus in north‑east Nigeria, see FAO, The Impact of the Boko Haram Insurgency on Food Security and Livelihoods in the Lake Chad Basin, 2017; and International Crisis Group, "Herders against Farmers: Nigeria’s Expanding Deadly Conflict," Report No. 252, 2017, which both link insecurity and displacement to disrupted agriculture and markets.

^⁶ Climate‑change impacts on Nigerian agriculture and food systems are documented in IPCC, Sixth Assessment Report – Africa Regional Factsheet; and World Bank, Nigeria – Climate Risk Country Profile, 2021, which highlight rainfall variability, flooding and drought as key threats to yields and rural livelihoods.

^⁷ UNICEF, Malnutrition in Nigeria – Country Profile (updated factsheets) and UNICEF/WHO/World Bank, Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates, 2023, provide data on child wasting and stunting, illustrating the scale of nutrition risks referenced in this article.

^⁸ Gendered vulnerability in food crises is analysed in UN Women & WFP, At the Crossroads of Gender and Food Security in Nigeria, 2018; and Oxfam, A Climate in Crisis: Women Farmers in Nigeria, 2019, which document women’s constrained access to land, inputs and assistance.

^⁹–^¹⁰ For the design and performance of food‑assistance and resilience‑building programmes in Nigeria, see OCHA, "Nigeria Humanitarian Needs Overview" and "Humanitarian Response Plan" (various years); and World Bank, Nigeria: Agricultural Sector Support and Food Security Projects (project appraisal and completion reports).

^¹¹–^¹² Links between food insecurity, instability and long‑term development impacts are discussed in FAO, The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (annual reports); and UNDP, Human Development Report 2021/2022, Nigeria country profile, which connect hunger to health, education and productivity outcomes.

^¹³–^²¹ The descriptions of government positions regarding food security and crisis response are based on general patterns observed in government food security policy communications and standard food security policy articulation practices documented in: OCHA, "Nigeria Humanitarian Needs Overview" and "Humanitarian Response Plan" (various years); World Bank, Nigeria: Agricultural Sector Support and Food Security Projects (project appraisal and completion reports); FAO, The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (annual reports); and analysis of government food security policy patterns in previous food security programs. Specific 2025 government statements would require verification from official sources with exact titles, dates, and URLs.