Nigeria Faces Looming Food Crisis Amid Rising Insecurity

Banditry and escalating violence in Nigeria are causing widespread fear among farmers, leading to empty farms and a looming food crisis. The insecurity has transformed from a humanitarian tragedy into a grave threat to the nation's food security and economic stability.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, food inflation exceeded 40% in 2024, significantly driving up the cost of living. The violence, exacerbated by conflicts such as the Boko Haram insurgency since 2009, has resulted in thousands of kidnappings and economic losses estimated at $100 billion due to destroyed infrastructure and lost productivity.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has highlighted that insecurity costs Nigeria billions annually due to disrupted agricultural activities. The situation is particularly dire in the southwest, where traditional agricultural zones are now affected, leading to increased food prices and reduced harvests.

Farmers are retreating to safer areas, further diminishing agricultural output and threatening food supply chains.