Nigeria has been ranked 115th out of 123 countries on the latest Global Hunger Index (GHI), underlining a severe food security crisis driven by high poverty, inflation, and insecurity.
The GHI, an internationally recognised measure of hunger, assesses countries based on four indicators: undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality.
Speaking at the 11th Nutritious Food Fair in Kano on Thursday, Dr Adiya Ode, Country Representative of Propcom+ Nigeria, warned that the situation could worsen, noting that over 31.8 million Nigerians are already experiencing acute food insecurity.
"Malnutrition and child stunting are rising, compounding the hunger crisis. We must renew our strategies to make food affordable and accessible," he said.
Propcom+ has pledged to work with the government to implement climate-smart, market-driven solutions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s food systems.
Ode mentioned ongoing partnerships, such as the collaboration with the Kano State Government and HarvestPlus, which focuses on improving the supply chain of nutrient-dense foods, boosting farmer income, and expanding market access.
"The theme of this year’s World Food Day emphasises collaboration. Real change happens when the private sector, investors, and policymakers join forces to scale innovation and impact across Nigeria’s agrifood sector," he said.
Dr Yusuf Dollah Fu’ad, Country Manager of HarvestPlus Nigeria, stressed that enhancing farmers’ productivity with nutrient-enriched staple crops is key to tackling the nation’s food crisis.
He described food-based interventions as cost-effective and sustainable, particularly in rural communities where households largely consume what they grow.
"The National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey shows that rural communities can directly benefit from cultivating nutrient-rich crops, gaining essential vitamins and micronutrients. Coordinated nutrition efforts are critical to achieving lasting progress," he said.
Speaking also, Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Yusuf, disclosed government efforts to reverse malnutrition through the reactivation of over 65 Centres for Malnutrition Treatment.
Yusuf disclosed the state has also allocated more than N1 billion to support ready-to-serve nutrient foods, aiming to curb the high rate of stunted children.
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