A recent Cadre Harmonisé (CH) report on acute food and nutrition insecurity in Nigeria has projected that approximately 30.6 million people across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will experience a food crisis between June and August 2025.
The assessment, conducted by federal and state governments with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other development partners, revealed that this figure includes 150,978 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Current Crisis & Worsening Outlook
Despite a decline in food and general commodity prices, the report estimates that 24.9 million people, including 116,765 IDPs, are already facing food insecurity across 26 states and the FCT. This situation is expected to deteriorate further by May 2025.
During the lean season (June–August), households will likely experience increased food shortages, potentially pushing more people in vulnerable regions into a critical food crisis threshold, the CH analysis warns.
Key Causes of Food Insecurity
The report identifies several factors contributing to the crisis, including:
- Conflict and insecurity, driven by insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping.
- Climatic shocks, such as flooding and drought.
- Macroeconomic reforms, limiting households’ purchasing power.
- High food prices and reduced food stocks at the household level.
- Limited income-generating opportunities and inadequate food consumption.
- Restricted access to clean water and sanitation.
The CH report also highlights critical levels of acute malnutrition in parts of the Northeast, particularly Central Borno, Northern Yobe, and Eastern Sokoto. Specific local government areas affected in Northern Borno include Mobbae and Ngarcail, while Mashi in Northern Katsina is also severely impacted.
FAO Calls for Urgent Action
FAO’s Country Representative, Koffy Dominique, commended the Federal Government and other stakeholders for completing the February-March 2025 CH analysis cycle, which officially began on February 20 across 26 states and the FCT.
He noted that Nigeria has experienced its worst inflation in over 20 years, pushing households into severe economic hardship and making it increasingly difficult to afford food and essential commodities. He also pointed out the negative impacts of extreme climatic hazards—especially flooding—alongside armed conflict and organized crime, which have worsened insecurity and food shortages.
Dominique emphasized that the biannual CH analysis aims to identify at-risk populations and recommend urgent interventions to prevent worsening food crises.
Government Commitment & Call for Humanitarian Support
Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation, acknowledged that the removal of fuel subsidies and ongoing insecurity have significantly contributed to rising food prices.
Represented by Okwudule Onyema, Director of Food and Strategic Reserve, he assured development partners of the government’s commitment to implementing CH recommendations and tackling the country’s food and nutrition security crisis.
He also urged humanitarian organizations to use the report’s findings for planning and implementing food security interventions nationwide.
