October 21, 2025/CSL Report
Nigeria’s hunger crisis is worsening, as highlighted by the latest Global Hunger Index (GHI) report, which ranks the country 115th out of 123 nations, placing it firmly in the “serious” category. This sobering assessment reflects the deepening food insecurity affecting millions of Nigerians. The GHI evaluates hunger based on four key indicators: undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality. Alarmingly, over 31.8 million Nigerians are now grappling with acute food insecurity, with the situation projected to deteriorate further without urgent intervention.
The drivers of this crisis are deeply interconnected and remain persistently challenging. The depreciation of the Naira, combined with Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imported food, has led to sharp increases in food prices, making it increasingly difficult for households to afford basic staples. At the same time, the soaring costs of agricultural inputs including fertilizer, seeds, and fuel have made farming increasingly expensive and unsustainable, particularly for small-scale farmers. The situation is further compounded by widespread insecurity, which continues to hinder food production and distribution, especially in the Northeast and Northwest. In these regions, insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry have disrupted farming activities, displaced communities, and limited access to markets and humanitarian assistance.
Climate change further exacerbates food insecurity. Nigeria is becoming increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, with seasonal flooding during the rainy season frequently damaging farmlands, homes, and essential infrastructure. These environmental disruptions are especially devastating in rural and low-lying communities, where food production and access are already fragile. The cumulative effect is a significant reduction in food availability, worsening hunger among the most vulnerable populations. In response to the current hunger crisis, the United States Government recently pledged US$32.5 million through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to deliver food and nutrition support to vulnerable communities in Nigeria. According to the U.S. Embassy, the funding will provide life-saving assistance to approximately 764,205 internally displaced persons and other at-risk groups in the conflict-affected Northeast and Northwest regions.
That said, while such humanitarian support addresses urgent needs, lasting progress requires a comprehensive, multi-sectoral strategy. The Nigerian government must take a proactive and strategic approach to economic growth and inflation control, as inflation continues to drive more citizens below the poverty line. Strengthening security in rural areas is also critical to enable farmers to access land and markets safely. In addition, sustained investment in rural infrastructure, such as roads, storage facilities, and irrigation systems, is necessary to boost food production and reduce post-harvest losses. While international support provides essential relief, long-term solutions must involve coordinated action among government institutions, development partners, and local communities. Only through such collaboration can Nigeria build resilience, restore livelihoods, and ensure lasting food security for all.
Click here to download full report: CSL Nigeria Daily – 21 October 2025- Socio-Economy .pdf
