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Food supply

Nigeria's Worsening Food and Nutrition Crisis Described as 'National Emergency'

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Nigeria has joined other African nations to mark the 16th Africa Food Security and Nutrition Day, but the country is facing a dire situation with an estimated 31 million people projected to face acute food insecurity, making it the largest food crisis globally. The World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organisation have issued a joint report highlighting the severity of the crisis, with 3.5 million children under five suffering from severe acute malnutrition. The report also states that 5.4 million children nationwide are affected by acute malnutrition, with 600,000 children in six northern states facing severe acute malnutrition.

Key Takeaways:

  • The World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organisation have reported that an estimated 31 million Nigerians are projected to face acute food insecurity during the 2025 lean season, making it the largest food crisis globally.
  • 3.5 million children under the age of five are suffering from severe acute malnutrition, with 1.2 million of them urgently requiring life-saving treatment.
  • 5.4 million children nationwide are affected by acute malnutrition.
  • Between October and December 2025, about 600,000 children under five in six northern states will face severe acute malnutrition.
  • Without urgent intervention, the report warns that 96,000 children could die, translating to more than 1,000 preventable child deaths daily.
  • Hunger levels are alarming across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) covering May 2024 to April 2025 highlighting the severity of the crisis.

Statistics:

  • 31 million Nigerians are projected to face acute food insecurity during the 2025 lean season.
  • 3.5 million children under the age of five are suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
  • 500,000 children are affected by severe acute malnutrition in six northern states.
  • 96,000 children could die without urgent intervention, translating to more than 1,000 preventable child deaths daily.
  • 5.4 million children nationwide are affected by acute malnutrition.
  • 800,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are at risk of acute malnutrition.

Sources:

  • Joint report by the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organisation.
  • Interview with Duncan Harvey, country director, Save the Children; Thierno Samba Diallo, country director, Action Against Hunger, Nigeria; and Helen Idion, director, Program Quality and Influencing, Plan International.
  • Statement by the Nigerian INGO Forum, made up of Save the Children, Action Against Hunger, and Plan International.

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