UN Sounds Alarm: 82 Million Nigerians at Risk of Hunger Due to Soaring Food Prices

The United Nations has issued a warning that 82 million Nigerians, approximately 64 percent of the country’s population, could face hunger by 2030. This alarming prediction underscores the urgent need for the government to address critical issues such as climate change, pest infestations, and other threats to agricultural productivity.

The warning comes as Nigeria grapples with a persistent hike in food prices. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the country’s food inflation rate reached a record high of 40.66 percent in May 2024, surpassing the previous month’s increase of 40.53 percent. This surge represents the largest year-on-year increase in food prices since records began in 1996.

The UN’s prediction highlights the need for immediate and effective measures to improve agricultural resilience and ensure food security for the growing population. Addressing these challenges is crucial to prevent widespread hunger and to stabilize the country’s food supply.