The Alarming State of Hunger in Nigeria and the Imperative for Food Policy Reform
By Daniel Okonkwo for Profile International Human Rights Advocate
The recent scenes in Kaduna, where residents scavenged spilled spaghetti and noodles from an overturned trailer, highlight the distressing level of hunger that has gripped the nation. This incident, where people expressed gratitude for food mixed with dirt, serves as a tragic illustration of how deeply food insecurity has penetrated Nigerian society. Despite promises from various administrations, access to food remains a significant challenge, worsened by recent policy decisions that have pushed inflation and placed an unbearable burden on the poorest Nigerians.
As inflation spikes in the wake of fuel subsidy removal and rising petrol prices, the cost of basic goods, including food, has soared. This surge is a direct hit to the common people, who, already grappling with poverty, now find even the simplest meals out of reach. The increasing prevalence of hunger among Nigerians calls into question the government’s commitment to food security. It also brings to light the need for effective food policies aimed at ensuring that every citizen has consistent access to affordable and nutritious food.
Ensuring that citizens have access to food is one of the core responsibilities of any government. Food policies are crafted to guide how food is produced, processed, distributed, and consumed, ideally making food accessible to all. These policies are designed to shape the entire food and agriculture ecosystem, balancing the need for economic growth with the imperative to safeguard human health. At their core, food policies must prioritize accessibility, affordability, and quality. When these elements are missing, as in Nigeria’s case, the burden of failing policies falls hardest on those who are least able to bear it—the commoners.
Effective food policy is essential for achieving sustainable food systems. Such policy involves not only the regulation of food-related industries but also the establishment of programs and standards for food assistance. In many countries, food policies provide a safety net for vulnerable populations, creating a lifeline during times of economic hardship. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, where the gap between policy and practice remains wide, many are left wondering where that lifeline has gone.
Successive administrations in Nigeria have made ambitious promises to improve food security, often with little to no tangible impact. A recurring theme is the lack of follow-through on policies that are critical for the survival of millions of Nigerians. The poor, already disadvantaged by systemic poverty, bear the heaviest burden of these unfulfilled promises. Rising inflation, coupled with unchecked fuel prices, has made it increasingly difficult for people to afford necessities, creating a new wave of food insecurity.
Compounding the crisis is the scarcity and high cost of staples like rice, which now sells at prohibitive prices—far beyond the reach of the average Nigerian. Palliatives, which the administration claims to have distributed, remain unseen by many, casting doubt on the government’s effectiveness in reaching the people who need support the most. The reality is stark: Nigerians are “dying of hunger,” and the need for immediate government intervention has never been more pressing.
It is worth reflecting on human behavior and our self-destructive tendencies in times of hardship. Researchers have studied why intelligent beings engage in behaviors that are ultimately harmful to themselves and others. This drive for survival can sometimes lead to actions that further exacerbate the situation, as seen in the desperation of scavenging for spilled food in Kaduna. For a country with abundant natural resources and a wealth of human capital, this is a grim reality. It emphasis a deeper issue: that despite our intelligence, we as a society can fall into patterns of destruction when basic needs remain unmet.
Nigeria stands at a crossroads. For the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this is a critical moment to review and, if necessary, overhaul existing policies. Food security should not be a privilege but a fundamental right. The current trajectory, marked by rising prices and scarcity, is unsustainable and will only deepen the nation’s struggles with poverty and hunger.
A comprehensive review of food policy, focusing on availability, affordability, and sustainability, is essential to restore the confidence of the Nigerian people. Effective policies should go beyond token palliatives and address the root causes of food insecurity, including inflation and supply chain disruptions. With the appropriate interventions, such as subsidies on essential goods, improved agricultural support, and more effective distribution mechanisms, the government can alleviate the suffering of millions and lay the groundwork for a more resilient food system. The plight of Nigerians today demands urgent action. Every Nigerian deserves access to food that is not only sufficient but safe and nutritious. The situation in Kaduna should serve as a wake-up call to our leaders—a reminder of the depth of hunger in the land and the critical need for immediate intervention. Mr. President, the people of Nigeria are calling on you to act decisively. The stakes are high, and the time to act is now.
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