Nigeria Faces Severe Food Insecurity Challenges in 2026

On World Food Day, Nigeria's food self-sufficiency is critically assessed, revealing significant challenges. Farmers face high costs, with a bag of fertilizer priced at N45,000 to N50,000, while maize sells for N22,000 to N23,000.

The country imported about 10.1 million tonnes of grain in the 2025/2026 marketing year, costing $2.34 billion. The waiver on duties for various grains cost the government over N188 billion in revenue.

The Rice Processors Association reports that about 90 of Nigeria's more than 150 rice mills have shut down, with the remaining operating at only 30 to 70 percent capacity. Security issues, including attacks and kidnappings in several states, have displaced farmers and hindered access to farmland.

The World Food Programme could assist only 72,000 people in February, a significant drop from 1.3 million in the previous lean season. Despite Agriculture and Food Security Minister Abubakar Kyari's claims of a 50 percent drop in food prices, farmers and economists argue that cheaper inputs, irrigation, storage, credit, and security are essential for improvement.