35 Million Nigerians at Risk of Food Insecurity by 2026

UNICEF has raised an alarm regarding food insecurity in Nigeria, projecting that 35 million Nigerians could face starvation by 2026. This concern is exacerbated by a survey indicating that over 3 million children across 27 states are at risk of acute malnutrition.

During a high-level bilateral meeting in Abuja, attended by representatives from the Nigerian government and Spain, discussions centered on enhancing food security and nutrition. Wafaa Saeed Abdellatef, UNICEF's representative in Nigeria, highlighted that malnutrition is a leading cause of child mortality, with long-term consequences for cognitive development and national growth.

The meeting also featured Mr. Ant N Lei Garc from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, who emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing and regional solutions to combat climate change and market disruptions. Dr. Chinyer Ijeoma Akujobi, representing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, outlined efforts to transform Nigeria's livestock sector to support nutritional goals and improve resilience among vulnerable populations.