Food insecurity now security threat — Uwaleke

Uche Uwaleke has urged Nigeria to treat food security as a national security issue, warning that worsening hunger could trigger serious health and social challenges.

Uwaleke made the call in an interview with the our correspondent while reacting to the United Nations projection that millions of Nigerians could face acute hunger in the coming months.

The United Nations Humanitarian Country Team had warned that about 35 million Nigerians could face acute food insecurity between June and August.

According to the organisation, nearly one in seven Nigerians may experience severe food shortages during the 2026 lean season.

According to him, children, pregnant women and low-income households remain among the most vulnerable groups affected by hunger.

“Acute hunger often leads to poor nutrition, weakened immunity and increased vulnerability to diseases,” he said.

He noted that many rural and conflict-affected communities already faced limited access to healthcare services.

He warned that worsening food insecurity could increase cases of malnutrition, child stunting, maternal health complications and other nutrition-related illnesses.

Uwaleke also said hunger had wider social implications, including rising poverty, school dropouts, crime and social instability.

“The key message policymakers and Nigerians should take is that food security must now be treated as a national priority and even a national security issue,” he said.

He said Nigeria had the resources and agricultural potential to feed itself if sustained investments and policy consistency were maintained.

Uwaleke urged governments at all levels to strengthen agricultural investments, improve rural infrastructure and tackle insecurity affecting farming communities.

He also stressed the need to strengthen social protection systems and improve economic opportunities for vulnerable households.

According to him, stronger collaboration among governments, development partners and the private sector is essential to addressing the country’s food challenges.

Uwaleke added that long-term structural reforms remained necessary to reduce recurring food insecurity and protect vulnerable Nigerians.