Over 31.8 million Nigerians are currently grappling with acute food insecurity, with malnutrition among women and children compounding the crisis, according to the 2024 Cadre Harmonise report.
The combination of surging food prices, attributed to the removal of fuel subsidies, and persistent security challenges has put millions of citizens in a vulnerable state.
The report, highlighted by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning’s Public Relations Officer, Julie Osagie-Jacobs, during a joint review meeting on the implementation of food systems in Nigeria (held from August 26-27, 2024), underscores a worrying rise from 18.6 million people assessed as food insecure in 2023.
Stakeholders, including key development partners like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), and GIZ, advocated for a multi-sectoral approach to address the escalating food crisis.
The collaboration emphasizes the need for civil society and the private sector’s involvement in extending the reach of nutrition efforts across the country.
The report comes amid soaring food inflation above 40%, worsened by fuel subsidy removal under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which has significantly raised transportation costs.
Additionally, ongoing attacks by bandits in northern regions have displaced farmers from their lands, further exacerbating the situation.
Efforts to mitigate the crisis are underway, with the Nigeria Police Force recently announcing enhanced security measures for farmers to facilitate the harvest season.
However, the challenges remain vast, requiring a concerted national and international effort to transform Nigeria’s food system.
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