The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), an arm of the United Nations, has issued a dire warning that 82 million Nigerians, approximately 64% of the country’s population, may face severe hunger by 2030. This prediction comes as Nigerians are already experiencing severe hunger, and the UN is urging the government to take immediate action to address the looming food crisis.
According to the Resident Humanitarian Coordinator of the FAO, represented by Taofiq Braimoh, the government’s annual food security survey has revealed alarming results. “Approximately 22 million Nigerians will face food insecurity in 2024, and around 80-82 million are at risk of severe food insecurity by 2030,” Braimoh warned.
The UN official attributed the looming crisis to climate change, pest infestations, and other threats to agricultural productivity. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to leverage technology to strengthen its agriculture sector and ensure food security. “Satellite-based crop monitoring provides real-time data on crop conditions, enabling farmers and policymakers to make informed decisions and optimize agricultural practices,” Braimoh explained.
The warning comes as Nigeria is already grappling with severe hunger, with many families struggling to access nutritious food. The government has been urged to take immediate action to address the crisis, including investing in sustainable agriculture practices and providing support to smallholder farmers.
