The Dire Economic and Humanitarian Crisis in Nigeria
Nigeria is currently facing a severe economic crisis that has left millions of its citizens struggling to survive. The situation is exacerbated by record-high inflation rates, which have significantly reduced the purchasing power of the average Nigerian. As a result, many people are unable to afford basic necessities, leading to widespread hunger and malnutrition.
The economic challenges are not limited to individuals but also affect businesses, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These businesses, which form the backbone of the Nigerian economy, are finding it increasingly difficult to operate under the current conditions. High interest rates, set at 27.5% by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), have made it nearly impossible for entrepreneurs to sustain their operations. Business owners have called on the CBN to lower interest rates or create a special intervention fund to support these vital enterprises.
The Impact on Health and Nutrition
The consequences of this economic turmoil are evident in the health sector. Starvation and malnutrition have become major threats to the well-being of Nigerians, particularly children. According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), 33 million people in Nigeria, including over 16 million children, are expected to face food insecurity in 2025. This prediction has already come true, with many families struggling to find enough food to eat.
Nutrition experts point to several factors contributing to the persistent malnutrition crisis in the northern region of the country. These include high inflation, food insecurity, insufficient healthcare infrastructure, the cost of transportation, ongoing security challenges, disease outbreaks, and low vaccine coverage. Additionally, cuts to foreign aid from previous administrations have further strained the situation.
The Role of Food Insecurity and Malnutrition
The Cadre Harmonisé Food and Nutrition Insecurity Analysis, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), projected that 33.1 million Nigerians would face high levels of food insecurity during the June-August 2025 lean season. Among these, about 1.4 million are Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in north-eastern Nigeria who are at risk of starvation following the withdrawal of humanitarian funding by the United Nations (UN).
Save the Children International (SCI) reported that approximately 1.8 million children could suffer from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), a deadly form of malnutrition that weakens children's immune systems. SAM can turn treatable illnesses like diarrhea into life-threatening conditions. Breastfeeding children are particularly vulnerable as their mothers, who are underfed, cannot produce enough milk for their children’s growth and development.
States such as Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Kano, Sokoto, and Zamfara are experiencing escalating levels of child malnutrition, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
The Effects on Education and Future Generations
The long-term impact of this crisis extends beyond immediate survival. With basic education declining in quality and accessibility, the effects on school-age children are profound. Malnutrition leads to low school enrollment, high absenteeism, early drop-outs, and poor academic performance. Malnourished children are also more susceptible to infections and illnesses, which further hinder their ability to attend school.
Despite government efforts, such as the federal-funded school-feeding program, these initiatives have not been effective. The continuous escalation of survival challenges highlights a growing disconnect between the leadership and the citizens, as if hardship were being celebrated rather than addressed.
Immediate Intervention Measures
To alleviate the current crisis, several immediate interventions are necessary. These include:
- Suspension of VAT and other taxes on all food commodities and beverages, including noodles.
- Reduction of taxes on drugs and medical equipment to make healthcare more accessible.
- Halving the overall number of taxes currently paid by Nigerians to reduce the financial burden.
Another critical step is the immediate release of grains from strategic reserves for sale at subsidized rates. These grains should not be given away for free, as seen in past palliative distributions. Instead, they should be sold at affordable prices to help the general public.
Call to Action for Philanthropists and Leaders
Philanthropists and indigenous donor foundations must also play a role in addressing the hardships faced by Nigerians daily. Their support can complement government efforts and provide much-needed relief.
State governors, who have the potential to make a significant impact, are not doing enough to tackle the combined crises of hunger, malnutrition, and hardship. By working closely with the federal and local governments, they can implement deliberate measures to ease the current situation.
A country with hungry citizens risks falling into a cycle of under-development. Addressing this crisis requires immediate and sustained action from all stakeholders to ensure the well-being of future generations.