Addressing Nigeria’s dual crisis: Banditry and economic constraints threaten food security 

The latest report by Cadre Harmonise paints a picture of Nigeria’s food security landscape, particularly in the northern regions. With a staggering 31.5 million Nigerians confronting the spectre of hunger this year 2024, urgent and decisive action is imperative to avert a humanitarian catastrophe.

Highlighted within the report are the critical months between June and August, during which vulnerabilities are projected to heighten for internally displaced persons (IDPs), and agricultural productivity is threatened by the challenges posed by rain density.

The serious warning that 24.7 million Nigerians across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will face hunger during this period underscores the gravity of the situation.

In light of these alarming findings, stakeholders at all levels need to mobilise swiftly and effectively. From government authorities to humanitarian organisations, concerted efforts must be directed towards implementing strategic interventions to mitigate the impending crisis and ensure the welfare of the nation’s most vulnerable populations.

As we navigate these uncertain times, solidarity and proactive measures are indispensable in confronting Nigeria’s looming food insecurity challenge. Let us unite in purpose and determination to avert a crisis and uphold the fundamental right of every Nigerian to access adequate and nutritious food.

This forecast demands a coordinated response from government authorities, humanitarian organisations, and the international community. Efforts must be intensified to ensure adequate food distribution, support agricultural resilience, and address the root causes of food insecurity, including conflict and displacement.

As we brace ourselves for the approaching months, let us not overlook the plight of millions who stand on the brink of hunger. It is time for proactive measures and unwavering commitment to safeguard the food security and well-being of all Nigerians, especially those in the most vulnerable regions.

With 1.1 million individuals in Adamawa, 2.1 million in Borno, and 1.5 million in Yobe on the brink of food crisis, the situation demands immediate attention.

The report’s focus on core northern states like Zamfara, Adamawa, Sokoto, and Borno underscores the urgent need for targeted intervention. Borno’s plight, scarred by a decade of relentless attacks by the militant group Boko Haram, epitomizes the region’s struggle. Displacement, disrupted livelihoods, and pervasive insecurity have rendered farming, commerce, and daily life untenable.

In this landscape of adversity, poverty has become endemic, overshadowing aspirations with the stark realities of survival. Governments must prioritize basic needs over grandiose projects, ensuring food security, shelter, and access to clean water for all.

As the spectrometer of hunger intensifies, solidarity and swift action are imperative. Let us heed the warning of this report and stand united in the face of crisis, extending support to our fellow Nigerians in their time of need.

The scourge of banditry casts a dark shadow over several Nigerian states, notably Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, and parts of Kaduna. In these regions, forests serve as sanctuaries for criminals who wield power with impunity, perpetrating kidnappings and extortion schemes that fund their operations.

Zamfara, in particular, epitomises the challenges posed by ungoverned spaces, where bandits operate freely, taxing farmers and disrupting agricultural activities. This hostile environment not only jeopardises farmers’ safety but also hampers their productivity, exacerbating food scarcity and threatening national food security.

Moreover, Nigeria’s macroeconomic challenges further compound the crisis. Skyrocketing transport costs, inflation, and exchange rate volatility constrain access to agricultural inputs, undermining household incomes and exacerbating food insecurity.

As the spectre of banditry and economic hardship loom large, urgent action is imperative. Government intervention must prioritise security and economic stability, facilitating safe agricultural practices and bolstering support for farmers.

Addressing systemic issues such as infrastructure deficits and economic instability is paramount to safeguarding the nation’s food supply and protecting vulnerable communities from hunger and deprivation.

In the face of desperation, a disheartening betrayal emerges as certain traders defy the dire circumstances, smuggling essential food supplies out of the country. This brazen sabotage has left many bewildered, as exemplified by a recent interception by the Nigeria Customs Service.

Their vigilant officers thwarted an attempt to smuggle 880 bags of white beans, 584 bags of onions, and 400 sacks of grains into the Benin Republic. Redirecting the trucks to a Nigerian market, the customs agency ensured that the vital provisions reached those in need.

To confront this challenge head-on the Federal Government must mobilise the North East Development Commission (NEDC). Tasked with providing relief in times of crisis, the NEDC must mirror the proactive initiatives of its counterpart in the Niger Delta. Armed with innovative ideas and strategic planning, the NEDC can effectively address the looming famine and ensure that no citizen faces hunger.

Nigeria’s abundant arable lands should render hunger inconceivable. Yet, the reality of food insecurity persists. Beyond food provision, the paramount importance of citizen security cannot be overstated. Without the assurance of safety, food security remains an elusive dream.

In this critical juncture, decisive action is imperative. Let us unite in safeguarding our nation’s food supply, protecting our citizens, and upholding the principle that no Nigerian should go hungry in a land of plenty.