Emmanuel OchayiThe Escalating Food Crisis in Nigeria
Nigeria’s food crisis has reached unprecedented levels, forcing many Nigerians to struggle just to put basic meals on their tables. Food inflation soared to 40% in October 2024, leaving citizens desperate and policymakers scrambling for solutions. For many, the food crisis has exacerbated already high costs of living, hitting ordinary citizens hardest and sparking urgent calls for sustainable change.
One Lagos resident, Chika Okoye, describes the daily struggle to buy essentials, “I used to afford a full basket of groceries with N5000; now that only buys me a few things. The government says they’re trying, but we’re not feeling any relief. It’s like we’re on our own.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelRising Costs with Limited Local Production
Nigeria’s food insecurity stems from a combination of internal and external challenges. Local agricultural production has stagnated due to persistent insecurity, poor infrastructure, and limited investment in technology. Long-standing crises between farmers and herders have severely hindered farming activities in key regions, reducing crop yields and jeopardising food supply chains. Additionally, inflation has exacerbated the issue, causing household expenditures on food to surpass half of an average Nigerian’s income.
Dr. Bayo Yusuf, an agricultural economist, emphasised the gravity of the situation: “Our food crisis goes beyond the recent economic policies. We’re simply not producing enough food to meet demand, and that’s a critical issue. Importing more won’t solve this—it’s a temporary fix. Nigeria must invest in agricultural reforms and infrastructure to support local farmers.”
Government’s Attempts to Address the Food Crisis
In response, the Federal Government declared a state of emergency on food security in July 2023, promising swift reforms and introducing initiatives aimed at improving access to food. The declaration included provisions for food and water availability within the National Security Council, establishing a National Commodity Board, and distributing grains and fertilizers to farmers. Yet, for many Nigerians, these promises have brought little tangible change, as food prices continue to surge.
Aliyu Musa, a small-scale farmer, expressed frustration with the government’s initiatives. “They promised us fertilisers and tools, but it’s all talk. Every season we hear the same thing, and we’re still facing the same issues. Without security and real support, how do they expect us to farm?”
As food prices continue to rise, the government also announced a duty-free import policy in July 2024, aiming to temporarily reduce the cost of certain food items, including wheat, maize, and cowpeas. However, the Nigeria Customs Service has yet to implement this policy, citing delays in receiving guidelines from the Ministry of Finance. The delay has ignited public criticism, with many Nigerians accusing the government of failing to prioritize citizens’ welfare.
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“This delay is outrageous,” said Ifeanyi Okechukwu, a food importer in Lagos. “At a time when people are barely affording food, every day counts. The government needs to act, not just announce plans that go nowhere.”
“We Can’t Feed Ourselves”: A Call for Structural Change
Experts argue that Nigeria’s food crisis highlights deeper structural issues within the nation’s agricultural sector. Decades of reliance on food imports and insufficient support for local farming have left the country vulnerable to global market fluctuations. The recent currency devaluation and removal of fuel subsidies have only worsened the situation, making imported food even more expensive and challenging to access.
Ngozi Nwafor, an agricultural consultant, underscored the importance of supporting local production. “Our country has the potential to produce enough food to feed its people. However, we’re seeing repeated cycles of insecurity, neglect, and lack of funding. Policies that empower farmers, protect them from violence, and improve access to resources are essential.”
Long-Term Solutions Needed to Resolve Nigeria’s Food Crisis
The food crisis has prompted many to call for a fundamental shift in how Nigeria addresses agricultural production and food security. Short-term measures like the duty-free import policy are not sustainable solutions. Instead, experts and citizens alike are calling for increased investment in agricultural infrastructure, security in farming regions, and initiatives to boost local food production.
A crucial part of the solution may involve leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to import affordable food from other African countries temporarily, while strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Dr. Yusuf believes that balanced trade with African neighbors can be a step forward. “We’re in a free market—why not bring in what we need, while exporting what we produce well? But that must go hand-in-hand with reforms at home.”
Looking Ahead: Nigerians Demand Accountability and Action
Amid the food crisis, Nigerian citizens continue to demand more accountability from their leaders. Many believe that a serious commitment to resolving food insecurity will require a combined effort from both the public and private sectors. Partnerships with private agribusinesses could provide additional resources and investment, which the government alone cannot sustain.
For families like that of Adedayo Ibrahim, a father of four in Kaduna, each day is a challenge. “It’s hard to tell your kids that they can’t have what they need to stay healthy. Food should not be a luxury—it’s a right. This country has the resources; we’re just not managing them.”
In tackling the food crisis, Nigeria faces an uphill battle, but experts maintain that a coordinated and comprehensive approach can pave the way for long-term solutions. Until then, many Nigerians brace themselves against a rising tide of hunger and hardship, waiting for promises of reform to become tangible relief.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
