Millions of Nigerians Face Hunger Despite Right to Food Act – WFP Report

 

A new report by the World Food Programme (WFP) has revealed that millions of Nigerians are facing severe hunger and malnutrition, despite the passage of the Right to Food Act in 2023. The law was intended to ensure food security, but its impact remains limited as food shortages persist across the country.

The WFP Nigeria Situation Report highlights that 11 million people across six states in northeast and northwest Nigeria are currently battling acute food insecurity in 2025. The situation is especially dire in Northern Nigeria, where insecurity, poor policy implementation, and economic hardship have worsened food shortages.

The crisis is especially severe for children, with the report noting that: 1 in 3 Nigerian children under five—approximately 11 million—suffer from severe food poverty. These children are 50% more likely to experience life-threatening malnutrition. Contributing factors include poor nutrition, aggressive marketing of ultra-processed foods, and worsening economic conditions.

International medical aid group Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has reported an alarming increase in malnutrition cases in 2024, with: Over 300,000 children treated for malnutrition, a 25% increase from 2023. 75,000 children requiring critical inpatient care. 250,000 managed through outpatient programs in Borno, Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi.

MSF Country Representative, Dr. Simba Tirima, warned that without adequate therapeutic food supplies, malnourished children could face preventable deaths.

In response, MSF has begun stockpiling essential supplies ahead of the peak malnutrition season, particularly in Bauchi State, where it runs: A 250-bed inpatient facility. Three outpatient feeding centers.

However, reduced funding for humanitarian aid agencies may further strain response efforts, leading to more hunger-related fatalities.

Dr. Tirima urged authorities and partners to take greater action, emphasizing:

“Authorities and partners must take greater action to address the malnutrition crisis.”

The Right to Food Act was meant to be a lifeline for Nigerians, but with millions still starving, it is clear that policy implementation needs urgent improvement. The crisis in Northern Nigeria requires immediate intervention, both from the government and international humanitarian organizations, to prevent a full-scale catastrophe.