Chukwu Obinna 
ABUJA, Nigeria – As Nigeria joined the world to mark World Food Day 2025, ActionAid Nigeria has called on the government to urgently boost support for farmers and strengthen food systems amid rising hunger and poverty.
During a media dialogue in Abuja on Wednesday, the organisation’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, said millions of Nigerians still face food insecurity despite modest progress.
Citing a recent FAO report, Mamedu noted that 30.6 million Nigerians across 26 states and the FCT are projected to face food insecurity during the 2025 lean season — a slight improvement from 33.1 million in 2024.
“This shows progress is possible,” he said. “But we must accelerate interventions to reach the millions still at risk of hunger and malnutrition.”
He blamed insecurity in key agricultural states — including Benue, Kaduna, Kwara, Taraba, Cross River, and Niger — for displacing farmers and destroying farmlands. “In Benue alone, the entire yam and rice belts have been devastated,” he added.
Referencing World Bank data, Mamedu said over 139 million Nigerians live below the poverty line, stressing that hunger and inequality are inseparable. “To truly fight hunger, we must first fight poverty deliberately, compassionately, and sustainably,” he said.
He also called on the National Assembly to ensure transparency and accountability in agricultural funding.
“The time for talk is over,” he warned. “Governments must match words with action and prioritise smallholder farmers who feed the nation.”
The 2025 World Food Day theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” echoed through the event as Mamedu called for joint efforts among government, civil society, and citizens.
“Hunger is not inevitable,” he said. “But ending it demands urgent collaboration, strong policy action, and unwavering support for our farmers.”
About the Author
Hussaini Ibrahim 
Koko Maxwella 
Otamere Gladness