The projected rise in food insecurity in Nigeria is primarily driven by ongoing economic challenges, record-high inflation, the impacts of climate change, and persistent violence in the northeastern states.
The report indicates that between October and December 2024, approximately 25.1 million people are expected to experience food insecurity, even during the peak of the harvest season. Among them, 3.8 million people are located in the northeastern states, with this figure projected to increase to 5 million by 2025.
Nationally, the number of people facing “Emergency” (Phase 4) levels of food insecurity is also expected to rise. While no populations are anticipated to reach “Catastrophe” (Phase 5) status, the number of people in “Emergency” conditions is projected to grow from 1 million during the 2024 lean season to 1.8 million in 2025 — an 80% increase.
The increase in the food insecurity projections is largely attributed to ongoing economic challenges, record-high inflation, the impact of climate change, and the persistent violence in Nigeria’s northeastern states.
The report estimates that between October and December 2024, around 25.1 million people are expected to face food insecurity, even during the peak harvest season. Of these, 3.8 million will be from the northeast, with this number likely to rise to 5 million by 2025.
On a national scale, the number of people experiencing “Emergency” (Phase 4) levels of food insecurity is also expected to grow. While no areas are projected to reach “Catastrophe” (Phase 5) status, the number of individuals facing emergency conditions is predicted to increase from 1 million during the 2024 lean season to 1.8 million in 2025, representing an 80% rise.
