In a sobering revelation, recent analysis predicts that by June to August 2025, approximately 33.1 million Nigerians will confront severe food insecurity—an alarming increase of 7 million compared to the previous year. This dramatic rise can be attributed to a combination of escalating economic challenges, rampant inflation, the impacts of climate change, and ongoing insurgency threats in key regions of the country.
The lecture delivered by Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahaya at the University of Ibadan highlighted these unsettling forecasts as part of his broader discussion on the dire need to decolonize food security in Nigeria. His statement underscored the interconnectedness of these issues, emphasizing that food security extends beyond mere availability—it fundamentally involves accessibility, affordability, and stability in food supplies.
Recent analysis indicate that a staggering 33.1 million Nigerians are likely to face high levels of food insecurity within the next year, driven largely by economic challenges, record inflation, the impacts of climate change, and insurgency, Professor Yahaya stated, emphasizing the urgent nature of the crisis facing the nation.
He called attention to the economic turbulence affecting every aspect of life in Nigeria, noting that the current inflation rates are limiting purchasing power and making it increasingly difficult for families to afford basic food items. When a country relies heavily on food imports, it becomes vulnerable to external shocks. The inability of households to secure sufficient food leads to chronic hunger and malnutrition, he added.
The impact of climate change was also a central theme in his address. With erratic weather patterns, farmers are struggling to maintain their yields, and crop failures due to drought or excessive rainfall are becoming more common. This unpredictability threatens not only food production but also the livelihoods of millions of small-scale farmers, said Professor Yahaya.
Moreover, he pointed out that poverty is particularly profound in Northern Nigeria, especially in the Northwest and Northeast regions. In these areas, poverty contributes significantly to hunger, which in turn leads to ill health. The ongoing insurgency further exacerbates this issue, disrupting agricultural activities, displacing communities, and restricting access to markets. Those already vulnerable to food insecurity are being pushed further into desperation, he warned.
Prof. Yahayas analysis paints a bleak picture but also serves as a clarion call for immediate action and comprehensive policy reforms. Addressing food security requires a multi-faceted approach that considers not only agricultural production but also socio-economic stability, enhanced governance, and support for vulnerable communities.
Our response must be holistic. We need to invest in sustainable agricultural practices, improve infrastructure, bolster support for smallholder farmers, and create policies that protect local food systems from global market fluctuations, he urged.
As the country prepares to face this impending crisis, the message is clear: urgent and coordinated efforts are needed to combat the rising tide of food insecurity. The time for action is now—Nigeria’s population is counting on its leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to prioritize food security and pave the way for a resilient future.
