UNICEF’s Urgent Call for Action to Combat Escalating Hunger Crisis in Nigeria

By

Elias oluwaferanmi H22/Mc/0168

Department of Mass Communication

The Polytechnic Ile-Ife, Osun State

The Global Hunger Index report, a collaborative effort between Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, highlights the alarming rise of hunger in Nigeria. Despite the country’s potential as an agricultural powerhouse, government neglect and insecurity have hindered its ability to address the crisis effectively. This neglect has led to a situation where many farmers are forced to abandon their land due to fear of attacks, exacerbating the already dire situation.

In response to this crisis, the Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, has emphasized the importance of revitalizing the agricultural sector to combat hunger. According to the Minister, investing in agriculture is crucial not only for economic growth but also for ensuring food security for all Nigerians. He highlights government initiatives aimed at increasing crop production and improving food distribution systems as part of the strategy to address the hunger crisis.

UNICEF and other international organizations have expressed deep concern over the escalating hunger crisis in Nigeria. UNICEF, in particular, has emphasized the devastating impact of food insecurity on children, highlighting the long-term consequences on their health, education, and overall development.

The organization has called for urgent action to address the root causes of hunger, stressing the need for comprehensive strategies that prioritize the most vulnerable populations, especially children and pregnant women.

Other organizations, such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and Oxfam, have echoed similar sentiments, underscoring the urgency of the situation and the need for concerted efforts from both the Nigerian government and the international community. The WFP has warned that without immediate intervention, millions of Nigerians will continue to suffer from acute hunger, with potentially irreversible consequences for their well-being.

Moreover, these organizations have highlighted the interconnectedness of hunger with other pressing issues facing Nigeria, such as insecurity, poverty, and displacement. They argue that addressing food insecurity requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the underlying factors contributing to hunger, including conflict, climate change, and economic instability.

In response to the crisis, UNICEF and its partners have ramped up their efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to affected communities, including the distribution of food aid, nutrition support, and access to clean water and sanitation facilities. However, they stress that such emergency measures must be complemented by long-term solutions aimed at building resilience, promoting sustainable agriculture, and strengthening social safety nets to ensure that vulnerable populations are better equipped to withstand future shocks.

However, while government interventions are crucial, it is essential to consider the perspectives of those directly affected by the crisis. Adaobi, a final year Department of Food Technology student of Yaba College of Technology, provides valuable insights into the challenges facing food production and distribution in Nigeria. She emphasizes the impact of insecurity on agricultural activities, citing instances where farmers are unable to cultivate their lands due to fear of attacks by armed groups.

The statistics paint a grim picture of Nigeria’s hunger crisis, with a steady increase in the percentage of the population experiencing severe hunger over the past six years. The situation is projected to worsen dramatically, with over 26.5 million Nigerians estimated to face acute hunger in 2024, according to the World Food Programme. This staggering figure underscores the urgency of addressing the root causes of hunger in Nigeria.

The repercussions of the hunger crisis extend beyond mere deprivation, as it fuels various forms of crime across the country. From theft to begging, desperate measures become commonplace as individuals strive to alleviate their hunger. This desperation not only poses a threat to social cohesion but also undermines the stability of the nation as a whole.

Additionally, the Special Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention convened to address the crisis. However, despite these measures, the impact remains insufficient, with Nigeria’s food insecurity persisting unabated. The root of the crisis lies in Nigeria’s daunting food inflation, which surged from 32.84 percent in November to 33.93 percent in December 2023. With a minimum monthly wage of N30,000, purchasing essential commodities like rice, which now sells at approximately N35,000 per half bag, has become a daunting task for many.

The situation is exacerbated by skyrocketing prices of other staples such as tomatoes, pepper, onions, oil, cereals, garri, eggs, and beans, rendering hunger pervasive across the nation. In stark contrast, countries like South Africa and Brazil have seen comparatively lower food inflation rates, underscoring Nigeria’s unique predicament. Compounding the challenge is Nigeria’s heavy reliance on food imports, estimated at $15 billion annually by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Despite ample advice and warnings, the leadership’s focus on politics and power dynamics throughout much of 2023 hindered meaningful action on addressing the food crisis.

In a sobering note, the World Bank reiterated its warning that citizens in seven states in the North-East and North-West would face severe food shortages until May, underscoring the urgency of decisive action. As the nation stands on the precipice of a full-blown food crisis, it is imperative for the government to prioritize security, revitalize agriculture, and implement effective policies to ensure food security for all Nigerians.
In light of these challenges, urgent action is imperative at all levels of government.

While the Minister of Agriculture’s initiatives are a step in the right direction, more comprehensive and coordinated efforts are needed to tackle the root causes of hunger in Nigeria. By investing in agriculture, addressing insecurity, and implementing effective food distribution systems, Nigeria can work towards ensuring food security for all its citizens and building a more prosperous and stable future.