In Nigeria, Prof Kola Matthew Anigo is the National Coordinator of Academic and Research Network for Scaling up nutrition. He has disclosed that no fewer than 25 million Nigerians are suffering from hunger. 

Mathew lamented that Nigeria is ranked first in Africa and second in the world in the global chart of malnourished children. He stated this in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, while delivering his keynote address at the annual scientific conference of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria that has been held every year since 1970.

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

The expert stated that Nigeria may not attain self-sufficiency in food production, if insecurity is not stopped. He explained that banditry, terrorism and kidnapping have contributed to food insecurity.

Aingo aims to attain the global nutrition target by 2025 and it will not be easy. The country's constant insecurity poses a huge threat to the achievement of this goal since poor nutrition is a major cause of under-five mortality and stunting in Nigeria, which is on the rise.

25 million people are hungry while 9.3 million people suffer from acute food insecurity. Is Nigeria ready for the challenge of feeding its people by 2025? With all the necessary efforts from the government and other sectors, I am confident that Nigeria can be one step ahead in food production.

“There is a need to transform agricultural production and food systems as key 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”.

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.