IMF Warns of Rising Food Insecurity in Nigeria, Africa

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a warning regarding the escalating food insecurity in Nigeria and other African nations, attributing this crisis to the economic disruptions caused by the Gulf War. The IMF's director for the African department, Abebe Aemro Selassie, highlighted that food insecurity is expected to worsen, particularly in fragile countries, with a projection of 20 million people facing food insecurity and 2 million children under five suffering from acute malnutrition.

The report anticipates that sub-Saharan Africa will experience a decline in economic output by 0.6 percent below pre-war forecasts, exacerbated by rising inflation and commodity prices. The IMF emphasizes the need for structural reforms to bolster resilience against shocks and improve intra-African trade.

The report also notes that 2025 will mark a significant decline in foreign aid, which could threaten essential services, particularly healthcare, in already vulnerable states.