A new joint report by the United Nations and the Nigerian government projects that up to 30 million Nigerians may face severe food insecurity by 2025, a crisis driven by inflation, climate change, and regional conflicts.
Rising food prices, compounded by economic instability, have made basic supplies increasingly unaffordable, while severe flooding and droughts have damaged agricultural production.
Additionally, ongoing violence, particularly in the northern regions, has disrupted farming communities, reducing available land and access to food.
In an effort to address the crisis, the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, chaired by Hon. Chike Okafor, Ph.D., has announced a national summit on nutrition and food security, set for December.
Hon. Okafor stated on 31 October 2024, “The summit is dedicated to addressing the urgent challenges facing our nation in the spheres of nutrition and food security.”
This summit will bring together key government figures, international partners, agricultural experts, industry stakeholders and civil society to devise strategies aimed at combatting malnutrition and ensuring food availability across Nigeria.
The committee’s initiative highlights the government’s commitment to tackling this pressing issue before it escalates into a humanitarian crisis.
Experts warn that, without immediate intervention, the projected food insecurity will impact millions, especially children and vulnerable groups, leading to widespread malnutrition and health complications.
The summit represents an important step towards securing Nigeria’s food systems, with the goal of developing sustainable, long-term solutions to safeguard the nation’s food security for all its citizens.
