The toll of corruption on Nigeria’s food crisis by Eze Ogbu

Nigeria, often lauded as Africa’s largest economy, is also home to one of the most severe hunger crises on the continent. In recent years, millions of Nigerians have faced hunger and food insecurity, particularly in rural areas and regions affected by conflict. This paradox—economic strength coexisting with profound poverty—speaks to deeper, systemic issues, particularly the prevalence of corruption within Nigeria’s government. Corruption undermines efforts to address food insecurity and has turned the potential for agricultural self-sufficiency into a daunting challenge.

This article explores the root causes of Nigeria’s hunger crisis, examining the role of government corruption in compounding food insecurity and highlighting the toll this has taken on the nation’s most vulnerable. Solutions require not only immediate aid but also long-term reforms that address the country's dependency on oil, improve governance, and empower communities to build sustainable food sources.

Nigeria’s hunger crisis affects millions across the nation, with particularly devastating impacts on children and families in conflict-prone and rural areas. According to a recent United Nations report, over 19 million Nigerians currently face food insecurity. This statistic reflects the impact of climate change, economic instability, and violent conflicts, particularly in the northeast. Here, Boko Haram insurgencies have displaced communities, disrupting agriculture and forcing people to rely on food aid.

In regions like Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, communities are not only battling poverty but also dealing with constant threats to their security, making traditional farming and fishing difficult. The crisis isn’t confined to rural areas alone. In urban centers, poverty and high food prices force families to make difficult choices, often sacrificing meals. Food inflation, which reached a staggering rate of 23% in recent months, is stretching households’ budgets beyond breaking points, leaving many to rely on government assistance—when it is available.

Corruption in Nigeria has infiltrated many facets of governance, including the very programs meant to alleviate hunger. Embezzlement of public funds, manipulation of aid distribution, and misallocation of resources plague Nigeria’s efforts to address food insecurity. The country has faced several recent scandals involving government officials diverting funds meant for food aid. In 2020, an audit revealed that billions allocated for food relief during the COVID-19 pandemic were either misappropriated or not used at all, leaving countless Nigerians without aid in one of their most critical times of need.

Agricultural subsidies, which are intended to empower farmers and support food production, have also been tainted by corruption. Officials at various levels of government are known to manipulate these subsidies, benefiting themselves or political allies instead of farmers. This siphoning of funds undermines the development of a sustainable agricultural sector and forces Nigeria to rely on food imports, driving up costs and making food more expensive for the average Nigerian.

Nigeria’s economic dependency on oil has had a disastrous impact on food security. The country’s agricultural potential is vast, with fertile land that could yield a wide variety of crops. However, for decades, Nigeria has prioritized oil revenues over agricultural development. This dependency on oil, which accounts for about 90% of Nigeria’s export revenue, leaves the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. When oil prices plummeted in recent years, the economy suffered, and poverty levels rose, exposing millions to food insecurity.

Efforts to promote agriculture have been inconsistent and often poorly managed. Initiatives like Operation Feed the Nation (1976) and the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (2011-2015) aimed to revitalize Nigeria’s agricultural sector, but due to corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies, these programs fell short. Currently, many farmers lack access to necessary resources such as quality seeds, fertilizers, and modern farming techniques, limiting crop yields and contributing to higher food prices.

The hunger crisis disproportionately impacts vulnerable groups, especially children, women, and the elderly. In Nigeria, approximately 37% of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition, which has lifelong consequences on their health and cognitive development. Women, often the primary caregivers, face immense stress as they struggle to provide food for their families. In a country where gender inequality remains a significant barrier to resources, many women also have limited access to land and financial resources that could help them generate income or grow food.

Elderly individuals, who often lack stable income sources, are particularly affected by food price inflation. Without a social safety net, many are left to fend for themselves, relying on whatever meager support they can receive from family or charity. Stories abound of families forced to skip meals, with parents going hungry to feed their children. For many Nigerians, hunger has become an unavoidable part of daily life.

As Nigeria’s hunger crisis worsens, international aid organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, and various NGOs have stepped in to provide critical support. These organizations supply food aid, nutritional supplements for children, and even cash assistance programs in some areas. However, these efforts face significant challenges. Corruption within local agencies often hinders effective distribution, with food supplies sometimes diverted before they reach those in need.

Moreover, international aid alone cannot provide a sustainable solution. Critics argue that relying on external aid creates a dependency that fails to address the root causes of hunger in Nigeria. These organizations are essential in providing immediate relief, but without structural changes within Nigeria’s own governance, the hunger crisis will persist, regardless of the level of international support.

Tackling Nigeria’s hunger crisis requires a multi-faceted approach. Combating corruption is a critical first step. Transparency and accountability must be prioritized within government programs aimed at alleviating hunger. Establishing independent oversight bodies to monitor food aid distribution and agricultural subsidies could help curb misappropriation of funds. In addition, implementing technology, such as digital tracking for food distribution, can reduce opportunities for corruption.

Investing in the agricultural sector is essential. Sustainable farming practices, crop diversification, and modern agricultural techniques could significantly boost productivity. Nigeria’s youth, a largely untapped resource, could play a crucial role in this transformation if empowered with the right resources and training. Revitalizing agriculture would create jobs, reduce dependency on food imports, and help stabilize food prices, ultimately making food more accessible to millions.

Civil society organizations and grassroots movements have an important role to play in holding government accountable. As citizens become more aware of the impacts of corruption on their daily lives, there is a growing demand for transparency and reform. This pressure from below could be the catalyst needed for significant change. Additionally, initiatives that involve local communities in decision-making and food distribution could foster a sense of ownership and reduce the likelihood of corruption.