The Federal Government has revealed that over 31.8 million Nigerians are currently facing severe food shortages, a situation exacerbated by ongoing security issues and the recent removal of fuel subsidies.
The distressing information comes from a study conducted by international development partners, which highlights a worrying increase in malnutrition among women and children.
The findings were presented during meetings with government officials earlier this week, as the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning reported.
The study, a collaborative effort by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), and the German development agency GIZ, utilized data from the Cadre Harmonise; a regional framework for food security; to assess the crisis.
The report states, “The surge in food commodity prices, driven by the removal of fuel subsidies and ongoing security challenges, has plunged millions of Nigerians into a precarious situation.”
Nigeria’s National Convener of Food Systems and Director of Social Development at the Ministry, Sanjo Faniran, emphasised that the study provides valuable insights into existing gaps, successes, and challenges and offers key recommendations for addressing the crisis.
