Hunger in the Homeland: 31 Million Nigerians at Risk as Food Crisis Deepens

Across Nigeria today, hunger is no longer a silent threat—it’s a roaring emergency.

The United Nations has raised a chilling alarm: 31 million Nigerians are facing acute food insecurity in 2025. That’s nearly one in every seven Nigerians, and it’s not just a rural issue—it’s creeping into cities, schools, and homes.

At Alo360, we believe this isn’t just another statistic. It’s a story about lives, dignity, and a system under siege.

🔍 What’s Causing This Food Crisis?

Several forces have collided to form this perfect storm of hunger:

Rising inflation: Basic food items have seen price hikes of over 40% in the last 12 months.

Conflict and displacement: Especially in northern Nigeria, where farmers are unable to return to their land due to insecurity.

Climate shocks: Floods and droughts have wrecked farmlands and disrupted planting seasons.

Underfunded humanitarian efforts: Of the $130 million needed in aid, only 21% has been received, leaving millions without support.

“This is not a famine yet, but it’s a fuse waiting to blow,” warns UN Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Fall.

🧒 Who’s Most Affected by Food Crisis?

According to UN figures:

Over 300,000 children under 5 may suffer from severe acute malnutrition this year alone.

Around 700,000 internally displaced people in camps may be cut off from aid in the coming months.

Women, widows, and single mothers are disproportionately affected, skipping meals so their children can eat.

🏘️ Voices from the Ground

“We eat once a day. Sometimes just soaked garri,”
says Maimuna, a mother of four in Maiduguri.
“We don’t ask for luxury. Just rice, beans, something to feed the children.”

Alo360 teams in Abuja, Benue, and Yobe confirmed similar reports: food banks are overwhelmed, and community leaders are calling for immediate intervention.

⚠️ What Happens If We Ignore It?

Without urgent action:

Malnutrition will rise, especially in children and pregnant women.

School attendance will drop due to hunger-related fatigue.

Crime and unrest could spike as desperation takes hold.

This isn’t just a health crisis. It’s an economic, educational, and security ticking time bomb.

📢 What Can Be Done?

The UN, NGOs, and local organizations are pushing for:

Immediate international aid to meet the $130M gap.

Nutritional support centers to stay open, especially in conflict zones.

Government investment in local agriculture and fair market access.

Community kitchens and food programs, particularly in IDP camps and low-income urban areas.

Alo360 is also spotlighting local heroes—from farmers innovating with climate-smart methods to youth-led food drives in Lagos.

🧭 The Alo360 Take

This is no time for silence. Nigeria’s hunger crisis is a national emergency that cuts across politics, class, and region. Every empty plate is a call to action.

At Alo360, we’ll keep following this story. Not with pity—but with purpose.

📌 Want to help?

We’ll be publishing a list of verified food NGOs, donation channels, and community initiatives in our next update.