Why 34.7 Million Nigerians Struggled to Afford Enough Food in 2026

News in Brief:

— More than 34.7 million Nigerians faced food consumption gaps and acute malnutrition between June and August 2026, according to the World Bank.

— Rising food inflation, seasonal shortages, conflict, climate shocks and global supply disruptions are putting further pressure on household food security.

More than 34.7 million people in Nigeria faced food consumption gaps and acute malnutrition between June and August 2026, according to the World Bank, as households struggled with seasonal food shortages, rising prices and other pressures on food security.

The financial institution said the annual lean season worsened the situation, an interval between planting and harvest when household food stocks decline and food prices typically rise.

During the period, several vulnerable households may have been forced to sell essential assets to afford food, while others compromised on nutrient-rich meals in favour of cheaper alternatives to meet their basic dietary needs.

Lean Season, Conflicts Deepen Food Insecurity

The World Bank attributed the pressure to a combination of seasonal shortages, conflicts and climate-related shocks, which have affected agricultural productivity and reduced the ability of farmers and households to maintain adequate food supplies.

Although food market conditions have generally improved compared with the same period last year, the recent trend in food inflation is threatening some of the gains recorded in food price moderation.

Nigeria’s year-on-year food inflation rate rose to 20.31% in July 2026, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). While the figure remained below the 26.20% recorded in July 2025, the increase highlights renewed pressure on household budgets after food inflation had begun moderating.

On a month-on-month basis, food inflation climbed to 5.56% in July from 3.75% in June, while June had risen from 2.98% in May. The consecutive increases indicate that food prices have continued to rise throughout 2026.

Global Supply Risks Threaten Local Food Prices

Production costs are also facing fresh pressure as fertiliser supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East threaten to increase input costs for smallholder farmers across West Africa.

Meanwhile, escalating hostilities are disrupting Black Sea supplies, potentially pushing up wheat prices for Nigerian food manufacturers that rely on imports. However, Türkiye’s easing of restrictions on wheat exports could provide some relief if buyers diversify their sourcing beyond Russian suppliers.

The outlook remains concerning as the October–December period could bring further food security challenges. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) warned of heightened hunger risks during this period.