World Bank Says 28 Millon Nigerians, Others Depend On Food Assistance For Survival

According to the World Bank, twenty-eight million, nine hundred thousand people living in Nigeria and other West and Central African countries depend on emergency food assistance for survival.

The global bank explained that countries in these regions continue to face high levels of food insecurity because of persistent insecurity and macroeconomic challenges.

The bank stated this in its latest 'Food Security Update,' noting that if measures are not taken, 41.9 million people in Nigeria and these countries could be food insecure between June and August of 2023.

The Washington-based bank said, “Currently, 28.9 million people depend on emergency food assistance.

"Unless appropriate countermeasures are taken, 41.9 million people could be food insecure between June and August 2023(RPCA 2022).

"With cereal production at 6 percent above the 5-year average and root and tuber production at 9 per cent above the 5-year average, the 2022/23 agropastoral season was satisfactory, although access to food for the most vulnerable populations continues to deteriorate.

“Food prices are 36 percent above the 5-year average.

"Inflation averages 18 perc ent in an unfavorable environment shaped by the war in Ukraine and the devaluation of some local currencies.

"Conflict and instability continue to drive food insecurity, especially for internally displaced persons, of whom there are currently more than 6.1 million.”