July 1, 2025/CSL Research
Projections from the Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) warn that between June and August, approximately 30.06 million Nigerians will face high levels of acute food insecurity. Of this number, 1.2 million people are expected to experience emergency-level hunger (CH Phase 4)—a stark indication of worsening hardship across the country.
A separate assessment by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reinforces these findings, estimating that around 30.6 million people across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory will likely suffer from acute food and nutrition insecurity during the same period. Alarmingly, the FAO reports that 1.2 million people in Adamawa, 1.7 million in Borno, and 1.4 million in Yobe—all located in the conflict-ridden northeast—are at particularly high risk during the lean season.
The drivers of this crisis are deeply interconnected and persistently challenging. Insecurity remains a major obstacle to food production and supply, especially in the Northeast and Northwest regions. Insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry have disrupted farming activities, displaced communities, and prevented access to markets and humanitarian aid. In addition, violent conflicts—including farmer-herder clashes in the North Central and Southwest—continue to undermine food production. Economic instability has further compounded the problem. The weakening naira, surging inflation, and heavy dependence on imported food have all contributed to skyrocketing food prices, leaving many households struggling to afford basic staples. The cost of agricultural inputs—such as fertilizer, seeds, and fuel—has also increased sharply, making farming more expensive and less sustainable for local producers. Climate change is another major factor driving food insecurity. Nigeria is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events. Flooding during the rainy season frequently damages farmland, homes, and infrastructure, especially in rural and low-lying areas. These disruptions significantly reduce food availability and access, particularly among the most vulnerable communities.
The consequences are stark. In 2024 alone, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) treated over 300,000 children for malnutrition across seven northern states, including Borno, Bauchi, Katsina, and Zamfara. To address Nigeria’s growing food insecurity, the government should adopt a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes improving security in rural areas, enabling farmers to safely cultivate and transport their produce. Investing in infrastructure—such as rural roads, storage facilities, and irrigation systems—will reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access. Scaling up Climate-Smart Agriculture practices, including drought-resistant seeds and better water management, can help communities adapt to changing weather patterns. At the same time, policies that subsidize agricultural inputs and support smallholder farmers will strengthen local food production and reduce dependence on costly imports. Targeted social protection programs like nutrition assistance for vulnerable households, is essential to cushion the impact of high food prices. Finally, improving coordination among federal, state, and local authorities, development partners, and community organizations will ensure that resources are deployed efficiently and sustainably to tackle both the immediate and underlying drivers of hunger.
Click here to download full report: CSL Nigeria Daily – 01 July 2025- Food Insecurity .pdf
