Abuja: The October/November 2024 Cadre Harmonise (CH) report has revealed that thirty-three point one million Nigerians in 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory are projected to be in food and nutrition crisis between June and August of 2025. This figure includes five hundred and fourteen thousand, four hundred and seventy-four internally displaced persons.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the report also indicates that five point forty-four million children under the age of five in the Northeast and Northwest regions are likely to suffer from acute malnutrition between May 2024 and April 2025. Of these, one point eight million are expected to be severely malnourished, potentially requiring medical intervention.
Key factors identified in the report include the high prices of food and non-food items impacting household consumption and livelihoods, the impact of flooding, ongoing insecurity such as insurgency and banditry, and continuous fuel price increases. The Cadre Harmonise analysis, conducted across
26 states and the FCT, aims to assess current food security and provide future projections for informed decision-making.
Representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations have noted that Nigeria is facing economic and climate shocks, alongside insecurity, which are affecting staple prices and livelihoods. Mr. Tofiq Braimah, representing FAO, emphasized the need for expanding data collection to ensure comprehensive assessments across all states.
Mr. Nuhu Kilishi from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security highlighted the economic stress exacerbated by fuel subsidy removal, which has increased transportation costs and impacted agricultural production. He pointed out that these challenges are disrupting food systems and affecting household consumption, particularly in insecure areas.
The CH report, validated by skilled professionals, is released as the government intensifies efforts to tackle food and nutrition insecurity amidst economic challenges.