Over 25 million Nigerians are suffering from hunger: Experts

National Coordinator of Academic & Research Network for Scaling up nutrition in Nigeria, Professor Kola Anigo, has revealed that no fewer than 25 million Nigerians are suffering from hunger.

National Coordinator of Academic & Research Network for Scaling up nutrition in Nigeria, Professor Kola Anigo, has revealed that no fewer than 25 million Nigerians are suffering from hunger.

Mathew has expressed regret that Nigeria is ranked first in Africa and second in the world in the global chart of malnourished children.

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He stated that this in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, while delivering his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 52nd annual general meeting and scientific conference of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria.

While speaking on the subject of the conference, “Bridging the Malnutrition Gap: Nutrition Multi-sectoral Commitments for Sustainable Nutrition in Nigeria,” Anigo lamented the prevalence of malnutrition in Nigeria.

Anigo stated the insecurity in the nation poses a massive threat to Nigeria’s attainment of the global nutrition target by 2025.

The expert has mentioned that banditry, terrorism and kidnapping have contributed to food insecurity, adding that Nigeria may not attain self-sufficiency in food production if insecurity is not nipped in the bud.

He said that, “Nigeria ranked number 1 in Africa and number two in the world in terms of the number of children malnourished. 25 million individuals are hungry while 9.3 million individuals suffer from acute food insecurity.”

“There is a need to transform agricultural production as well as food systems as primary drivers of the economic growth we need the right system, right environment and right information in line with the magnitude of nutrition problems both at national and sub-national levels.”

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The national President of Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Wasiu Afolabi, in his opening remark, called on the Federal government to intensify efforts aimed at increasing food production.

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