Over 31.8 million Nigerians are now facing severe food shortages, largely due to ongoing security issues and the recent removal of fuel subsidies. This alarming figure was revealed in a study conducted by several international development partners and shared by the Nigerian government on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning highlighted the crisis, explaining that the sharp increase in food insecurity is a significant jump from previous estimates. The United Nations World Food Programme had previously assessed 18.6 million Nigerians as vulnerable to acute food shortages from October to December 2023. However, the new study indicates that the number has surged, leaving millions in a dire situation.
“The surge in food commodity prices, which is as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy in addition to security challenges, has placed millions of Nigerians in a precarious situation,” the ministry stated.
The situation is particularly concerning for women and children, who are most affected by malnutrition. The combination of rising food prices and ongoing security threats has made it increasingly difficult for families to access basic necessities.
The security challenges in Nigeria have been exacerbated by frequent raids carried out by bandits armed with guns and machetes. These violent attacks have forced many farmers to abandon their fields, further contributing to the rise in food prices and the nation’s soaring inflation. As a result, Nigeria is experiencing its worst cost of living crisis in decades.
President Bola Tinubu, who assumed office in May 2023, made the controversial decision to remove fuel subsidies in an effort to reduce government spending. While this move was intended to address fiscal issues, it has led to a significant increase in transportation costs, which has, in turn, driven up the price of food and other essential goods.
The study, which was presented during a meeting between the government and international development partners, involved several organizations including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, and the German development agency GIZ. The findings were based on data from a nutrition analysis conducted by Cadre Harmonise, a regional food security framework.
Sanjo Faniran, Nigeria’s national convener of Food Systems and director of social development in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, emphasized the importance of the study.
“The study helped to identify gaps, successes, and challenges, and offer recommendations,” he said.