The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has sounded the alarm over the growing hunger crisis across the country, calling on the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to revive its operations under the leadership of the newly appointed Minister, Dr. Bernard M. Doro.
In a statement on Tuesday by its national Cordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubikom the group expressed concern that millions of Nigerians are at risk of food insecurity, warning that the Ministry has so far failed to effectively reach those most in need. The group noted that the World Food Programme (WFP) had recently cut back aid, highlighting the urgent need for government-led interventions to prevent a worsening humanitarian crisis.
“Hunger is biting harder, and the lives of children and vulnerable citizens are at stake,” said HURIWA National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko. The rights group emphasized that the Ministry must act swiftly and transparently to ensure food, healthcare, and social support reach those most affected.
Citing the latest Cadre Harmonisé food security analysis by the FAO and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, HURIWA warned that over 34 million Nigerians, including more than 650,000 internally displaced persons in Borno, Sokoto, and Zamfara, face Crisis (CH Phase 3) or worse levels of food insecurity between June and August 2026.
While HURIWA acknowledged the Ministry’s reported achievements — including the National Social Register (NSR) covering 19.8 million households, Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT) for over 8.8 million Nigerians, and vocational initiatives under the Skill to Wealth Program — the group argued that such initiatives appear largely ineffective on the ground.
HURIWA also cited disturbing incidents of hunger in urban areas, including a case in Igando, Lagos, where a young woman collapsed while begging for food for her seven-month-old baby. According to eyewitness reports, the woman was taken to Alimosho General Hospital, but the case highlights the daily struggles of poor Nigerians who remain outside the reach of government support.
The rights group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Dr. Doro to act decisively, stressing that the Ministry must move beyond media statements and ensure that transparent, scientifically backed interventions reach the millions of Nigerians at risk.
“Hunger must not be treated as an abstract statistic,” HURIWA said. “It is a matter of life and death, and the government has a moral obligation to protect its citizens.”
HURIWA Warns of Worsening Hunger, Urges Federal and State Action
