35 Million Nigerians at Risk of Acute Hunger, Expert Warns

Dr. David Terungwa Michael, founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), warned that 35 million Nigerians are facing acute hunger between June and August 2026. He spoke during an interview on Trust TV's Business Daily program, reacting to a United Nations project highlighting the food crisis.

Michael noted that Nigeria's agricultural sector is under severe pressure, with recent GDP figures reflecting the challenges faced by farmers. He explained that insecurity, climate change, post-harvest losses, inflation, and rising energy costs are exacerbating food shortages.

Michael criticized the federal government's food import policies, which he claims weaken local farmers and discourage production. He cited an example of maize farmers in Bauchi State who suffered losses due to crashing grain prices.

Michael emphasized the need for government support for smallholder farmers, who he described as the backbone of Nigeria's food production, and criticized the delayed implementation of agricultural interventions.