Welcome

Tag: food insecurity

  • Top 10 News Updates You Should Know Today

    1. Inflation Rises to 15.93% as Food Prices Continue to Climb

    Nigeria’s headline inflation rate increased to 15.93 per cent in May 2026, up from 15.69 per cent recorded in April, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The latest figure marks the third consecutive monthly increase and highlights the continued pressure facing households across the country.

    Food inflation remained the biggest driver, rising to 16.96 per cent due to higher prices of staples such as onions, maize, yams, tomatoes, and peppers. While economists note that the monthly inflation rate slowed slightly, many Nigerians continue to grapple with rising living costs as policymakers search for ways to ease economic pressure.

    2. Senate Clears Customs Over ₦62.2 Billion Audit Query

    The Senate has dismissed a ₦62.2 billion under-remittance allegation against the Nigeria Customs Service and established a committee to review dozens of other outstanding audit issues.

    Lawmakers said the decision followed detailed scrutiny by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts. The newly constituted committee is expected to examine 76 unresolved cases and recommend measures to improve transparency, accountability, and revenue generation within the customs system.

    3. FG Identifies 470 Grazing Reserves Nationwide

    The Federal Government has identified 470 gazetted grazing reserves across the country as part of efforts to modernise livestock production and address recurring clashes between farmers and herders.

    Officials say the initiative forms part of broader plans to reduce open grazing, improve agricultural productivity, and strengthen food security. Stakeholders have welcomed the move but stressed that successful implementation will require funding, infrastructure development, and cooperation between federal and state governments.

    4. Tinubu Congratulates Muslims on Islamic New Year

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his greetings to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world as the Islamic New Year, 1st Muharram 1448AH, begins.

    In his message, the President encouraged Nigerians to draw lessons from the Hijrah by embracing patriotism, peace, and responsible citizenship. Religious leaders also used the occasion to call for tolerance, national unity, and continued prayers for the country’s progress.

    5. Naira Records Slight Decline at Official Market

    The naira weakened marginally at the official foreign exchange market, closing at about N1,357.18 to the US dollar compared to N1,356.27 recorded previously.

    Despite the slight depreciation, analysts say Nigeria’s strong foreign reserves continue to provide support for the currency. Market observers believe long-term stability will depend on sustained reforms, stronger exports, and improvements in foreign exchange inflows.

    6. Troops Record Fresh Successes Against Bandits

    Security forces have intensified operations against criminal groups in the North-West, leading to the elimination of a suspected bandit kingpin and the rescue of several kidnapped victims.

    The Defence Headquarters described the development as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating across vulnerable communities. Security analysts say sustained military pressure, alongside economic and social interventions, remains essential to achieving lasting peace in affected areas.

    7. UK Names Peter Vowles as New High Commissioner to Nigeria

    The United Kingdom has appointed Peter Vowles as its new High Commissioner to Nigeria, signalling a continuation of diplomatic engagement between both countries.

    The appointment comes at a time when Nigeria and the UK are deepening cooperation in areas including trade, security, migration, investment, and development. Analysts expect the new envoy to play a key role in advancing economic partnerships and strengthening bilateral relations.

    8. Labour Moves to Reopen Minimum Wage Discussions

    Nigeria Labour Congress has announced plans to engage the Federal Government on a review of the national minimum wage amid rising inflation and increasing living costs.

    Labour leaders argue that workers require additional support to cope with current economic realities, while government officials have indicated a willingness to continue dialogue. The discussions could shape industrial relations and worker welfare debates in the months ahead.

    9. Court Awards Passenger ₦13 Million Against Virgin Atlantic

    A Nigerian court has ordered Virgin Atlantic to pay ₦13 million in compensation to a passenger over a missed flight, reinforcing consumer protection within the aviation sector.

    Legal experts say the judgment could influence future disputes involving airlines and passengers by highlighting the responsibilities carriers owe to travellers. Industry observers believe operators may review customer service policies to reduce similar liabilities.

    10. Nigerian Fans Follow African Teams at World Cup 2026

    Although Nigeria is not participating in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, many football fans across the country continue to closely follow the performances of African representatives at the tournament.

    The competition has generated discussions about player development, coaching standards, and lessons that could benefit the Super Eagles. Sports administrators and supporters alike are watching closely as African teams seek to make history on football’s biggest stage.

     

  • IMF Raises Alarm as Hunger Risks Deepen Across Nigeria, Africa

    The International Monetary Fund has warned that food insecurity risks are rising across Nigeria and other African countries, with conflict, climate shocks and shrinking aid threatening recent economic gains.

    IMF flags growing risks despite recent growth

    In a new outlook, the IMF said Sub-Saharan Africa entered 2026 on relatively stable footing after recording 4.5 per cent growth in 2025.

    However, the Fund warned that this progress is now under pressure due to global disruptions, including rising commodity prices and fragile fiscal conditions.

    Abebe Aemro Selassie, Director of the IMF’s African Department, said prolonged conflict could weaken growth, push inflation higher and force difficult fiscal adjustments across vulnerable economies.

    Food insecurity expected to worsen

    The IMF stressed that the human impact could be severe, particularly as food prices continue to rise.

    It warned that a 20 per cent increase in global food prices could push over 20 million people into food insecurity, while leaving millions of children at risk of acute malnutrition.

    Nigeria is among countries expected to face a sharp rise, with projections showing an additional 4.1 million people could experience acute hunger in 2026.

    Global hunger remains at critical levels

    Findings from the 2026 Global Report on Food Crises show that 266 million people across 47 countries faced high levels of food insecurity in 2025.

    The report also revealed that 35.5 million children were acutely malnourished, with nearly 10 million suffering severe conditions.

    Experts warned that hunger is no longer driven by short-term shocks but by persistent crises including conflict, inflation and climate change.

    Aid cuts and debt pressures worsen outlook

    The IMF also highlighted a sharp decline in foreign aid, particularly in fragile states, noting that 2025 marked a major drop in support for vulnerable economies.

    At the same time, rising debt levels and higher interest payments are limiting governments’ ability to respond effectively.

    More than one-third of countries in the region are now at high risk of debt distress, with fiscal pressures crowding out essential spending.

    Call for reforms and regional integration

    To address the challenges, the IMF urged African governments to accelerate structural reforms, improve governance and deepen regional trade.

    It noted that stronger integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area could help improve supply chains and boost resilience against future shocks.

    The Fund maintained that without urgent action, the combined impact of conflict, climate pressures and declining aid could further destabilise already vulnerable economies.