The World Bank has issued a stark warning about Nigeria’s escalating food security crisis.
In a recent report, the organization revealed that over one million additional Nigerians will face severe food insecurity in 2024 compared to last year.
This alarming trend places Nigeria alongside countries like Yemen and Ethiopia, which are also experiencing significant food shortages.
The World Bank’s Food Security Update Report highlights that while some countries have made progress, Nigeria’s situation is worsening.
Countries such as Afghanistan and Kenya have seen improvements in food security, with over one million fewer people facing acute food crises.
However, the report emphasizes that 18 nations, including Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Yemen, have seen a marked increase in food insecurity.
“Factors such as intensified conflict and climate-related shocks, like droughts, have driven these changes,” the report stated.
Nigeria’s crisis is linked to a combination of climate issues and ongoing socio-political instability.
The report notes that around 1.6 million hectares of land in Nigeria have been flooded, impacting 685,770 vulnerable individuals.
This includes over 342,650 hectares of cropland that have been lost to flooding.
The consequences are dire, as millions of Nigerians are left without adequate food supplies.
The report also mentions that neighboring countries like Mali and Cameroon are experiencing similar challenges.
Mali has seen 344,000 people affected by flooding, with significant losses in cultivated land.
In Nigeria, the situation is compounded by dry spells in the northern and northeastern regions, further threatening crop production.
In total, floods and droughts have impacted approximately 3.5 million people in the region, leaving them in need of emergency support.
The report estimates that about $50 million is necessary to assist 760,200 communities in meeting their basic food needs.
In addition to land loss, Nigeria faces soaring food prices that are among the highest in the world.
As of August 2024, food prices in Nigeria have surged by 37.5% year-on-year.
This inflation is placing immense pressure on household incomes, particularly for low-income families.
“Basic food items are becoming increasingly unaffordable,” the report emphasizes.
Families are struggling to put food on the table as costs continue to rise.
The World Bank has called for urgent intervention to address the immediate food needs of affected populations.
Moreover, the organization stresses the importance of developing long-term strategies to improve resilience against climate shocks.
Experts warn that without swift action, Nigeria could face further deterioration in food security.
The challenges are not only economic but also social, as food insecurity can lead to increased conflict and instability.
Local leaders and NGOs are already working on the ground to provide relief, but more support is needed.
Community organisations are urging the government to prioritize food security in its policy decisions.
“Addressing food insecurity should be a top priority for our leaders,” said a representative from a local NGO.
The report’s findings come at a critical time as Nigeria prepares for various national and local elections.
Political leaders are being called upon to address this urgent issue in their campaign platforms.
As the food crisis deepens, the health and well-being of millions of Nigerians hang in the balance.
The international community is also being urged to support Nigeria in its time of need.
Humanitarian assistance is vital to help mitigate the impacts of the crisis.
Nigerians are looking for effective policies that can stabilise food prices and improve agricultural productivity.
