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Food Crisis: 82 Million Nigerians May Go Hungry Soon, UN Warns

Published

2 years ago

July 6, 2024

The United Nations has again predicted that 82 million Nigerians, about 64 per cent of the country’s population, may go hungry by 2030, calling on the government to tackle climate change, pest infestations, and other threats to agricultural productivity.

The prediction comes in the wake of a persistent hike in food prices in the country.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s food inflation rate hit a record high of 40.66 per cent in May 2024, surpassing the previous month’s 40.53 increase.

This surge represents the largest year-on-year increase in food prices since records began in 1996.

Historically, food inflation in Nigeria has averaged 13.42 per cent, with the lowest point of -17.50 per cent in January 2000.

In 2023, the Food and Agriculture Organisation predicted that no fewer than 2.6 million Nigerians in Borno, Sokoto and Zamfara states, and the FCT may face a food crisis between June and August 2024.

According to a government-led Cadre Harmonisé analysis released in March, 2024, approximately 4.8 million people in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states are experiencing severe food insecurity, the highest level in seven years.

Also, as Nigerian workers commemorated the 2024 May Day, Organised Labour expressed concern about the country’s rising food prices and fuel scarcity, saying that the current situation threatened the survival of workers.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olisa Agbakoba, also recently warned that a hunger riot might soon break out in Nigeria, calling on the Federal Government to act fast.

Speaking recently at the launch of CropWatch in Abuja, the Resident Humanitarian Coordinator of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, represented by one of the UN officials, Taofiq Braimoh, said, “The government of Nigeria, in collaboration with others, conducts an annual food security survey. This year’s results are alarming: approximately 22 million Nigerians will face food insecurity in 2023, and around 80-82 million are at risk of severe food insecurity by 2030.

“Nigeria, like many countries, grapples with food insecurity, climate change, unreliable water patterns, pest infestations, and other threats to agricultural productivity. As an agrarian society, our farms’ success directly impacts food availability for our population. Leveraging technology is crucial to strengthening our agriculture sector and ensuring food security.”

He stressed that satellite-based crop monitoring provided real-time data on crop conditions, enabling farmers and policymakers to make informed decisions and optimise agricultural practices.

He noted that the technology could help expedite the accomplishment of sustainable development goals in food and agriculture.

‘Climate change fuelling high hunger rate’

An agricultural economist from the Centre for Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Tobi Awolope, attributed the high hunger rate in Nigeria to climate change, which has severely affected smallholder farmers, the main players in food production.

Awolope, who spoke to our correspondent on Friday, noted that those farmers had a low adaptive capacity to cope with the effects of climate change, such as irregular rainfall patterns and lack of irrigation.

“Climate change has reversed the progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 2, which aim to eradicate poverty and hunger. Smallholder farmers are struggling to adapt to the changing climate, and this has led to declining food availability and rising prices,” she said.

She emphasised the need for government support for farmers, including subsidising production inputs, and providing technology and irrigation assistance.

“Farmers cannot mitigate the effects of climate change alone. The government needs to step in and support them to ensure food security,” she stated.

Awolope also stressed the importance of utilising research recommendations to inform policy decisions, saying, “This is not the time to leave research output on the shelf. We need to use those recommendations to make informed decisions that will support our farmers and ensure food availability.”

Meanwhile, the Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency, Dr Adepoju Mathew, highlighted the importance of science, technology, and innovation in advancing agricultural development and food security.

“The world population is projected to reach 9.5 billion by 2050, and food production must increase by 70 per cent to meet this demand.

“Space science, technology, and innovation play a crucial role in transforming agriculture and enhancing food security,” he added.

UN report reflects real situation— Farmers

Speaking with The PUNCH, the National Secretary of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Dr Yinusu Alidu, said the UN report should be taken seriously, noting that it reflects the real situation in the country.

He said, “What the UN said is trending at the moment, because it reflects the real situation in the country. It is not magic; the UN is only gathering reports, and speaking to the current situation. They are using global warming, climate change, insecurity, and other factors to make the report. People like us on the field know already that the UN’s report is becoming real.

“This is July and there is not enough rain yet. Weather forecast experts have predicted that there is going to be a drought. They predicted that there was going to be a short rain period, and that rain may not fall after August. They advised farmers to plant crops that will yield and mature fast. If not, the crops will be stunted and will not yield well. If people use conventional modes of planting, their farms will be affected by drought.”

Alidu urged the government to act on the report to prevent a food crisis.

He said, “It is the responsibility of the government to prevent a food crisis. The government should encourage irrigation farming systems. The government needs to create dams and channel waste water for farming purposes. Water is being wasted a lot. This is the right time for the government to be serious about off-season farming. Seventy per cent of crops grown in Nigeria are planted with direct rain; few people use irrigation systems. The government has a responsibility to make farming easy for farmers. They should support the irrigation system.

“I don’t know why the government is taking a lackadaisical approach to farming. Maybe they believe they have the money to buy anything they want, regardless of the price, because they have money. What about the average Nigerian? I would only advise farmers to be smart and fast in farming.”

‘UN report reflection of govt failure’

Also speaking with our correspondent, the President of Integrated Agricultural Services, South-West, Mr Adeyemi Adejare, described the UN’s report as a pointer to the government’s failures in supporting agriculture and farmers.

Adejare said Nigeria was already witnessing a shortage of food, saying only aggressive farming could help Nigeria out of the crisis.

He said, “The only way to avert the UN’s prediction is to engage in aggressive farming, and get genuine support from the government. Nigeria is facing food insecurity already, so we can’t shy away from what the UN said. It is a pointer to the government’s failure to support agriculture.

“The food industries and our farming system must reach a sustainable level to avert the prediction, and that requires a holistic approach. We need to discard the old farming, storing, and processing systems. Government at all levels must be genuinely committed to promoting agriculture.

“The government must empower farmers and encourage mechanised farming for the youth. The government must also provide soft loans and subsidise farming inplements for genuine farmers.”

Adejare noted that the UN report was correct, adding that the nation must take proactive actions to end food insecurity.

He said, “The UN report is correct. Currently, it will take Nigeria 30 uninterrupted farming and harvesting seasons to achieve food security, because of the shortage we have already.

“The government has not been fair to farmers. The northern farmers are enjoying little benefits from the government, but the South-West governors are not helping the farmers at all. The governors have not been helpful; they have been paying lip service to the promotion of agriculture.”

PUNCH

Headline

PROPHECY: Primate Ayodele Reveals Trump’s Plot Against Tinubu

Published

8 hours ago

January 4, 2026

Editor

Primate Ayodele and Tinubu, Tinubu’s rice palliative, Primate Ayodele to Tinubu
Tinubu and Primate Ayodele
The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that US President Donald Trump is after removing him from office.

This comes amid the removal of Vanezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by Donald Trump.

Primate Ayodele, in a statement signed Sunday by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, made it known that the US President has ‘caged’ Tinubu and his plan is to ultimately see that he is removed from office.

He stated that the support the US is giving Nigeria to fight insecurity isn’t for nothing other than ways to penetrate the government.

“Trump is adamant to remove President Tinubu. America will be part of those who will be against Tinubu. You may not see it as I am being shown, and that’s why I am saying Trump is after removing Tinubu, that’s it and nothing more.”

The cleric made it known that, despite US’ help, Nigeria will continue to fight insecurity, but the ulterior motive of the US President isn’t about ending insecurity in the country.

“Nigeria will still continue to fight insecurity, but either they fight it or not, Trump is focused on removing Tinubu from office, but he doesn’t know it yet. He isn’t after ending insecurity in the country, he knows what he wants and won’t stop at nothing towards achieving it.”

He urged the president to take a bold political step to overcome the plans of the US president; otherwise, he will end up succeeding with his plans.

“Tinubu must take a very bold step to overcome the plans of Trump, because he has caged him already. Tinubu must not relent his efforts and bring up strategies for him to succeed otherwise, he would be at the losing end while his defeat would be celebrated,” he added.

Headline

JAPA: Top Six Countries To Obtain Easiest Citizenship

Published

5 days ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

As a Nigerian considering relocation plans, interest in countries with clear and less complicated citizenship pathways is a smart way to not just guarantee greener pastures, but also provide you with the opportunity to feel more at home in a foreign land. While some of the programmes are ancestry-based, others allow Nigerians with such a link to try other means.

Contents
1. Dominica
2. Ireland
3. Turkey
4. Portugal
5. Vanuatu
6. Italy
Though rules vary widely across borders, some nations stand out for offering citizenship through investment or family ties with fewer hurdles and faster processing timelines.

Below are the top six countries with the easiest citizenship:

1. Dominica
Dominica operates a citizenship-by-investment programme that allows applicants to qualify through a contribution to the government’s Economic Diversification Fund or by investing in approved real estate. Processing typically takes a few months. Citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Zone. There is no residency requirement, and dual citizenship is permitted.

2. Ireland
Ireland provides a clear citizenship pathway for individuals with Irish ancestry. Those with an Irish-born parent qualify automatically, while people with an Irish-born grandparent can apply through the Foreign Births Register. An Irish passport grants full European Union rights, including freedom of movement across EU countries. Dual citizenship is allowed, and there is no language requirement for applicants applying by descent.

3. Turkey
Turkey offers a fast-track citizenship option through investment. Foreign nationals who purchase qualifying real estate valued at a minimum of $400,000 can obtain citizenship within a few months. The programme does not require residency or renunciation of an existing nationality. Turkish passport holders have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to several countries, with ongoing efforts to expand travel agreements.

4. Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Visa programme provides a residency-to-citizenship route for foreign investors. After five years of legal residence and meeting programme conditions, applicants may apply for citizenship. Approved investment options include venture capital funds and other qualifying assets. Successful applicants gain an EU passport, access to the Schengen Area, and dual citizenship, subject to passing a basic Portuguese language test.

5. Vanuatu
Vanuatu runs one of the world’s fastest citizenship programmes. Through its Development Support Programme, eligible applicants can receive citizenship in as little as two months after making the required financial contribution. The country offers visa-free access to over 100 destinations and has no tax on global income or capital gains. Residency requirements are minimal.

6. Italy
Italy grants citizenship by descent to individuals with an Italian parent or grandparent, following a 2025 legal update that tightened eligibility rules. Applicants must provide official documents proving a direct family link to an Italian ancestor. Italian citizenship comes with full EU rights, wide visa-free travel, and the ability to pass citizenship to future generations. Dual nationality is allowed, and no language test is required for descent-based applications.
(Tribune)

Headline

Japa: 5 Affordable European Countries Nigerians Can Relocate To

Published

5 days ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

As economic pressures continue to mount, many Nigerians are increasingly exploring relocation as a path toward stability, better opportunities, and an improved quality of life. However, traditional destinations such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States are becoming more difficult to access due to rising living costs and stricter visa policies.

Contents
1. Slovakia
2. Latvia
3. Portugal
4. Hungary
5. Georgia

But beyond these popular options, several lesser-known European countries are emerging as affordable and welcoming alternatives. Offering low tuition fees, flexible visa policies, and a reasonable cost of living, these nations are becoming attractive relocation choices for Nigerians seeking balance and opportunity.

In this article, Tribune Online highlights five budget-friendly countries Nigerians can consider for relocation:

1. Slovakia
Located in Central Europe, Slovakia combines stability, safety, and simplicity; three factors often missing in high-pressure relocation destinations.

Though it may not feature prominently on social media relocation lists, Slovakia’s affordability and accessibility make it a hidden gem. Students enjoy low tuition fees, while residents benefit from proximity to major European cities like Vienna and Prague. For Nigerians seeking structure and affordability, Slovakia provides a peaceful yet practical alternative.

2. Latvia
The Baltic nation of Latvia is fast becoming a preferred destination for international students and skilled professionals. Known for its low living costs and straightforward residence procedures, Latvia offers a convenient entry point into the European Union.

Riga, its capital city, blends historic charm with modern infrastructure, providing an ideal environment for studying, working, or gradually transitioning to other parts of Europe.

3. Portugal
Situated on Europe’s western coast, Portugal is one of the continent’s most liveable and affordable countries. Known for its mild weather, safety, and reasonable living costs, Portugal offers a soft landing for Nigerians looking to relocate without excessive financial strain. The country’s friendly visa policies and welcoming atmosphere make it ideal for students, remote workers, and small business owners. Beyond its scenic beauty, Portugal provides what many Nigerians desire: peace of mind and an easier start abroad.

4. Hungary
Hungary has quietly become a top choice for international students, offering quality education at affordable tuition rates. Living costs are significantly lower than in Western Europe, and cities like Budapest, Szeged, and Debrecen provide vibrant yet budget-friendly environments.

For Nigerians looking to relocate through education, Hungary offers a realistic and sustainable path toward long-term settlement in Europe.

5. Georgia
For Nigerians seeking an easy transition abroad, Georgia presents one of the smoothest relocation routes. The country allows Nigerians to stay visa-free for up to one year, eliminating embassy interviews and lengthy paperwork.

Located between Europe and Asia, Georgia offers a blend of natural beauty and affordability. Rent, transport, and food costs remain moderate, making it an excellent base for digital nomads and young professionals.

As migration trends evolve, success now depends on flexibility and strategic planning. While the dream of relocating abroad remains strong, the path doesn’t always have to lead through the UK or Canada. For Nigerians ready to look beyond the familiar, Europe’s quieter corners still offer accessible and rewarding opportunities.