The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to safe and nutritious food, even as a new report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns that more than 34.7 million Nigerians could face severe food insecurity by mid-2026 if urgent action is not taken.
The warning comes from the October 2025 Cadre Harmonise (CH) food and nutrition insecurity analysis, released jointly by FAO and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS).
The assessment, which covers 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), shows that food insecurity in Nigeria remains at crisis levels, affecting millions of families, including more than 650,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Borno, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
Speaking at the official presentation of the report in Abuja on Friday, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Marcus O. Ogunbiyi described the findings as “a wake-up call for coordinated and sustained action.”
“The data tell us where hunger is deepening, where nutrition outcomes are deteriorating, and where interventions are urgently needed.”
According to the FAO report, 27.2 million Nigerians are already facing crisis (CH Phase 3) or worse levels of food insecurity, a figure projected to rise to 34.7 million between June and August 2026, when the country will enter its recession season.
In Adamawa state alone, approximately 1.4 million people may face crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity by mid-2026. The report also highlights that more than 55% of families are surviving by reducing the quantity or quality of food, borrowing money, or skipping meals altogether.
FAO warns that the situation is worsening due to persistent insecurity, high inflation, poor market access and climate shocks. Despite a modest decline in inflation and consumer prices, the cost of supplementary foods such as oil, dairy and spices remains 35% above average, while the cost of fertilizers and agrochemicals has increased by 56%, discouraging farming participation in the dry season.
“These data and analyzes are indispensable for anticipating emerging food security challenges, guiding resource allocation, and ensuring timely interventions to protect vulnerable populations,” Ogunbiyi said.
He said the findings will guide the implementation of key government programs including the National Agricultural Development Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) and the National Food Security and Nutrition Emergency Plan, which aim to support vulnerable households and farmers.
“The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security remains steadfast in its mission to build a resilient, inclusive and sustainable food system that ensures access to safe and nutritious food for all Nigerians,” he said.
According to FAO, the nutrition situation ranges from alert (Phase 2) to severe (Phase 3) and critical (Phase 4) in parts of northwest, northeast and north central Nigeria, with the highest levels of acute malnutrition recorded in Borno and Yobe states, particularly in Maiduguri, Jere, Mobbar and central Borno. Some areas including Jibia and Mashi in Katsina State have crossed the critical threshold.
In his remarks, FAO Country Representative, Hussein Gaden, commended Nigeria on the completion of 10 years of Cadre Harmonise implementation, noting that Ekiti State joined the process for the first time, making the total 27 participating States.
Gaden said, “We encourage more states to join this analysis. Ekiti's participation is a powerful example of what commitment can achieve.” “Conflict, economic pressures and climate extremes are weakening livelihoods,” he said, calling for strong policy responses and flexible strategies to protect farmers and families.
Ogunbiyi also commended the National Cadre Harmonise Technical Committee and development partners – including FAO, the World Food Program (WFP), the Famine Warning System Network (FEWS NET), Save the Children and UNICEF – for technical and financial support.
“Your collective efforts ensure that Nigeria continues to serve as a model for regional coordination and data-driven early warning systems within the ECOWAS framework,” he said.
Also read: More than 34 million Nigerians to face acute food insecurity by mid-2026 – FAO reportTea
He stressed that the Cadre Harmonise outcomes will boost Nigeria's contribution to the upcoming Regional Food and Nutrition Security Outlook under the CILSS and ECOWAS framework, reaffirming the country's leading role in shaping West Africa's food security agenda.
“Emerging trends continue to demand decisive action,” Ogunbiyi warned. “Climate variability, insecurity in food-producing areas, and rising input costs are exacerbating food and nutrition insecurity. Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated, multi-sector response that links agriculture, health, social protection, and economic planning.”
Announcing the launch of the workshop, the Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to evidence-based policymaking and cross-sectoral collaboration.
“Together, let us continue to strengthen the analytical foundation that helps Nigeria move towards zero hunger and improved nutrition for all,” he concluded.
