Nigeria’s food system fragile despite huge potential, FAO warns
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has warned that Nigeria’s food system remains fragile and under severe strain despite the country’s vast agricultural potential. Speaking at the 2026 Vanguard Economic Discourse in Lagos, FAO Representative in Nigeria Dominique Koffy Kouacou said climate shocks, conflict, high input costs and policy gaps are combining to undermine food production and access for millions of Nigerians. He noted that the situation is particularly dire for smallholder farmers, who face rising production costs at the same time as consumers confront soaring food prices. Kouacou recalled that recent food security assessments projected tens of millions of Nigerians could face high levels of food insecurity without sustained interventions, warning that the country’s agrifood system is “stressed and vulnerable” to further shocks. Despite these challenges, he stressed that Nigeria has no business being food insecure given its vast […]