Nigeria today faces a food security crisis of unprecedented scale—one that reverberates across communities, stretches the capacity of our government, and challenges the moral fabric of our society. In just one year, the number of Nigerians enduring severe hunger surged from 18.6 million in 2023 to 26.5 million in 2024. This dramatic escalation is not a random occurrence; it is the outcome of intertwined issues ranging from protracted conflict and disruptive climate events to soaring inflation and adverse economic policies.
The situation is dire. Across our northern regions, violent insurgencies have disrupted daily life and the fundamental practice of agriculture, a backbone of our nation’s economy. In states such as Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Zamfara, militant groups, including Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Lakurawa, have not only dislocated entire communities but have also rendered fertile land unusable. These conflicts deny farmers the security they need to cultivate their fields and force families to abandon ancestral farmlands in search of safety. The ripple effect is clear: diminished local food production leads directly to fewer meals on the table. When basic livelihood support is stripped away by violence, hunger becomes an inevitable consequence.
Climate change compounds this already disastrous scenario. In October 2023, severe floods in Adamawa left vast tracts of farmland in ruins and deprived countless families of their primary source of income. Climate shocks such as these are no longer anomalies; they have become a predictable, destructive force that undermines traditional farming practices. The loss of crops to extreme weather patterns not only jeopardises immediate harvests but also destabilises future planting seasons. As climate change intensifies, our agricultural resilience is tested repeatedly, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable, climate-resilient farming techniques that can withstand nature’s unpredictability.
Exacerbating these challenges is the soaring cost of living driven by staggering inflation. In 2024, food inflation reached an eye-popping 40.7 per cent, while overall inflation hovered at 34.2 per cent. Basic food items, once accessible to the average Nigerian, have soared in price and now remain out of reach for many impoverished families. This situation is further aggravated by the devaluation of the naira and the government’s decision to remove fuel subsidies. These economic measures, though intended to address broader fiscal issues, have had the unintended consequence of raising the cost of producing and transporting food. The compound effect leaves our rural farmers and urban consumers alike caught in a continuous struggle to afford the sustenance they need.
In response to these converging crises, our government has declared a national food security emergency. Immediate relief measures—such as large-scale food distribution programmes, subsidies on staple foods, and price controls—are crucial short-term steps to buffer the most vulnerable communities. Yet these interventions, while necessary, only scratch the surface of a much deeper systemic problem. True resolution will depend on a two-pronged strategy: immediate relief combined with long-term, transformative policies.
For a lasting impact, we must embark on a comprehensive plan that strengthens local food systems. Investing in community-driven projects, such as urban farming initiatives, community gardens, and food cooperatives, not only boosts local production but also engenders self-reliance. Imagine urban rooftops repurposed into green sanctuaries or vacant lots transformed into vibrant gardens that supply fresh produce to city dwellers. These community efforts have the power to reduce our dependence on imports while reinforcing local economies, thereby creating a buffer against future disruptions.
Equally important is revamping our agricultural infrastructure. Modern transportation networks, robust storage facilities, and better market access could minimise food waste and ensure that produce reaches every corner of our nation. Equipping our farmers with the tools and knowledge to implement climate-resilient practices, such as crop diversification, agroforestry, and conservation agriculture, can significantly boost productivity and mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions. Such measures are critical if we are to safeguard not only today’s harvests but the future of Nigerian agriculture.
Amid these developments, the debate over genetically modified organisms in agriculture continues to simmer. GMOs offer the tantalising possibility of higher crop yields and enhanced pest resistance, potentially easing the food crunch. However, concerns over their long-term health effects, increased dependency on multinational corporations, and potential environmental hazards call for a cautious approach. The government must invest in public education and create robust regulatory frameworks that protect our farmers and consumers, ensuring that any adoption of GMO technology is both transparent and accountable.
No solution to our food security crisis can be complete without the active participation of local communities and faith-based organisations. Grassroots initiatives—ranging from neighbourhood community gardens to larger-scale urban farms—demonstrate how collective effort can transform barren spaces into life-sustaining oases. Faith-based institutions, including Good News Baptist Church in Surulere, are already at the forefront, advocating for policy reform and hosting workshops on sustainable farming practices. Biblical teachings remind us of our moral obligation to care for one another. Proverbs 22:9 tells us, “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” Also, Matthew 25:35 reinforces our duty to feed the hungry. In moments like these, faith becomes a clarion call to serve, innovate, and rebuild.
The road ahead requires more than just government proclamations. It calls for coordinated action—a coalition of policymakers, local communities, business leaders, and international partners all working in tandem to restore and revitalise our food systems. Bold reforms to agricultural policies coupled with targeted investments in rural security, infrastructure, and sustainable practices can transform our current challenges into opportunities for growth.
Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The decisions we make today will determine whether millions continue to suffer from hunger or whether we pave the way for a resilient and food-secure future. The time for cautious deliberation has passed. Now is the moment for decisive and collective action, where every stakeholder plays their part in ensuring that no Nigerian is left hungry.
In this moment of crisis, let us remember that the fight against hunger is not merely a political or economic endeavour—it is a moral imperative. The cry of a starving child, the despair of a displaced farmer, and the hope of community gardeners all converge to demand change. It is up to us, as a nation, to seize this opportunity and forge a path toward a brighter, food-secure tomorrow.
- Essien is the chairperson of GNBC Men of Issachar Ministry, an advocacy group of Good News Baptist Church, Surulere, Lagos
