Nigeria's Food Security Crisis: 34.7 Million Affected

On 16 October, Nigeria will observe World Food Day amid alarming food insecurity statistics. The latest Cadre Harmonisé analysis, conducted by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, and the World Food Programme, indicates that 34.7 million Nigerians will experience acute food insecurity between June and August 2026, an increase from 27.2 million.

Nigeria ranks 115th out of 123 countries on the Global Hunger Index. Despite having fertile lands and agricultural potential, millions struggle to access nutritious food.

The article emphasizes the need for an integrated food system that ensures efficient supply chains from farms to consumers. Key operational dependencies include post-harvest aggregation, cold storage, and stable energy.

Nigeria loses an estimated 35 to 40 million tonnes of food annually, valued at over 3.5 trillion, primarily due to inadequate cold-chain logistics. The agribusiness sector, exemplified by Tomato Jos in Kaduna State, demonstrates the potential for improved food security through innovative models.