No fewer than 33.5 million Nigerians, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), are projected to experience acute food insecurity between June and August 2027, according to a new report by the Cadre Harmonisé.
The October 2026 Food and Nutrition Insecurity Analysis, which covered 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), indicates a worsening food crisis across the country.
The report also estimated that 26.8 million people, including 756,815 displaced persons in Borno, Sokoto and Zamfara states, would face crisis-level food insecurity or worse between October and December 2026. The figure is expected to rise to 33.5 million in 2027, including 891,228 IDPs in the three states.
Conflict, insecurity, forced displacement, increasing fuel costs, climate-related shocks and soaring food prices were identified as major contributors to the situation.
Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto were listed among the states experiencing the most severe food consumption challenges.
The report also warned that poor dietary intake, dwindling purchasing power, disease outbreaks and inadequate access to healthcare, clean water and sanitation could worsen malnutrition, particularly among children under five and pregnant and breastfeeding women.
It consequently recommended stronger nutrition monitoring, expanded treatment of acute malnutrition, dietary assistance and improved healthcare, water and sanitation services in affected communities.
Speaking during the presentation of the report in Abuja, FAO Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr Hussein Gadain, described the findings as important evidence that would help the government and development partners anticipate food emergencies and direct resources where they are most needed.
