Over 31m Nigerians Face Severe Food Shortages Amid Rising Costs, Security Issues, New Study Reveals

A new study has uncovered that over 31.8 million Nigerians are experiencing acute food shortages, primarily due to escalating security issues and the recent removal of fuel subsidies.

The findings were disclosed by the government on Tuesday, following a meeting with several international development partners.

The study, presented by partners such as the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, and the German development agency GIZ, reveals a significant escalation from the previous estimate of 18.6 million people at risk of acute food insecurity. This earlier assessment, conducted by the U.N. World Food Programme, covered the period from October to December 2023.

According to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, “The surge in food commodity prices, which is a result of the removal of fuel subsidies in addition to security challenges, has placed millions of Nigerians in a precarious situation.”

Security issues have notably intensified in recent months, with armed bandits carrying out raids that have driven many farmers away from their fields. This disruption has not only increased food prices but also contributed to soaring inflation, exacerbating Nigeria’s worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation.

President Bola Tinubu, who assumed office in May 2023, initiated the removal of fuel subsidies to reduce government expenditure. This policy change has led to a substantial rise in transportation costs, further straining the already struggling food supply chain.

The study’s data were derived from a nutrition analysis by the Cadre Harmonise, a regional food security framework.

Sanjo Faniran, Nigeria’s national convener of Food Systems and director of social development in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, emphasized that the study “helped to identify gaps, successes and challenges, and offer recommendations,” underscoring its critical role in addressing the current food security crisis.