As Nigeria joins the global community to mark World Food Day 2025, ActionAid Nigeria has called for renewed commitment to ending hunger and building a more resilient food system.

Speaking at a media dialogue in Abuja on Wednesday, ActionAid country director Andrew Mamedu highlighted the need for coordinated national efforts to ensure food security for all Nigerians, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas.

Mr Mamedu cited a recent FAO report indicating that 30.6 million Nigerians across 26 states and the FCT could face food insecurity during the 2025 lean season, a slight improvement from the 33.1 million projected in 2024.

“This shows progress is possible. But we must accelerate interventions to reach the millions still at risk of hunger and malnutrition,” he said.

Mr Mamedu noted that insecurity continued to disrupt farming in states like Benue, Kaduna, Kwara, Taraba, Cross River, and Niger, limiting the production of key staples and threatening local livelihoods.

“In Benue alone, the destruction of farmlands and displacement of farmers has impacted major crops like yams, maize, and rice,” he said.

Referencing World Bank data, Mr Mamedu said more than 139 million Nigerians still live below the poverty line, with rural communities bearing the brunt of inequality and food access challenges.

“To truly fight hunger, we must first fight poverty deliberately, compassionately, and sustainably.

“ActionAid is calling for a National Poverty Summit to unify fragmented efforts into a clear National Action Plan for food security and poverty eradication,” he added.

Mr Mamedu also urged increased investment in agriculture, especially climate-resilient and smallholder-friendly practices, to boost productivity and food access.

“It’s time for states to match words with action,” he said, noting that several states were releasing only 25 per cent of allocated agricultural budgets, despite pressing food needs.

He called on the National Assembly to strengthen oversight and ensure the timely, transparent use of agricultural funds, especially for farmers in hard-to-reach communities.

Mr Mamedu said the 2025 theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” is a powerful reminder that food security is a shared responsibility.

“Government, civil society, the private sector, and citizens must work hand in hand, not just to feed the nation today, but to build a more just and food-secure tomorrow,” he said.

(NAN)