According to reports from Yahoo News, in the summer of 2025, Nigeria is grappling with an escalating food security crisis that could impact over 33 million people across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

This alarming situation, described by experts as unprecedented, stems from a deadly combination of resurgent violence, economic instability, and climate challenges that are crippling the nation’s agricultural backbone.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme, and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture have already identified 25 million people experiencing food crises nationwide.

The situation is expected to worsen between June and August 2025, with projections indicating that millions more could face acute food shortages.

Kouacou Koffy, FAO country representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized the severity of the crisis, stating, “We are facing unprecedented challenges affecting livelihoods and food and nutrition security globally, regionally, and nationally.”

The crisis is particularly acute in regions like Benue, often referred to as Nigeria’s “food basket.” Violence in farming communities has made it nearly impossible for farmers to safely tend their fields, leading to plummeting food production and skyrocketing prices.

This ripple effect is felt not only locally but also in global markets, as shortages drive up costs and exacerbate economic hardship for millions.

Amnesty International reported over 1,300 deaths in nearby Plateau State between December 2023 and February 2024, underscoring the scale of violence disrupting agricultural activities.

While recent rainfall might suggest improved conditions for farming, the reality is far grimmer. Climate challenges, including erratic weather patterns, have compounded the difficulties faced by farmers.

However, human conflict remains the primary driver of this crisis. Armed violence in key agricultural regions has displaced farmers, destroyed crops, and disrupted supply chains, leaving communities vulnerable to hunger and malnutrition.

The combination of these factors has created a vicious cycle, where reduced food production fuels economic instability, further limiting access to essential resources.

The consequences of this crisis are stark. As food becomes scarcer and more expensive, millions of families are at risk of falling deeper into poverty and hunger.

The economic fallout is expected to hit the most vulnerable populations hardest, with children, women, and rural communities bearing the brunt of the suffering.

The FAO and its partners are calling for urgent action to address the crisis, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts between the Nigerian government, civil society, and international organizations to alleviate hunger and restore stability.

Experts warn that without immediate intervention, the food crisis could spiral further out of control, with devastating long-term consequences for Nigeria’s population and economy.

Kouacou Koffy highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts, stating, “With the concerted efforts of the government, CH stakeholders, and the international community, we can move closer to alleviating hunger and reducing suffering for Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.”

As the world watches, the situation in Nigeria serves as a sobering reminder of how interconnected issues like conflict, climate change, and economic challenges can create cascading crises.

Addressing this emergency will require not only immediate humanitarian aid but also long-term strategies to build resilience in Nigeria’s agricultural sector and protect its people from future threats.