Nigeria’s crisis has grown beyond security and economic problems; it is now a humanitarian crisis that reflects Nigeria’s battle with safety, livelihoods, and survival. Hunger, poverty, and violence are no longer separate problems. They have become a connected force in which each crisis fortifies the other, leading to economic instability, national security concerns, and social conflict.

At the centre of this triangle lies the growing food crisis. Nigeria is currently experiencing dire food security challenges. Data released by international humanitarian organizations paint a troubling picture. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, in its October 2025 Cadre Harmonisé analysis, estimates that 27.2 million people are facing hunger across Nigeria, with a potential rise to 34.7 million during the next lean season (June to August 2026) if serious interventions are not implemented. This condition is steered by insecurity, economic challenges, environmental pressures, and the devastating effect of COVID19.

The negative impact on the vulnerable population, especially children, is even more alarming. Another data published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations states that approximately 5.4 million children and nearly 800,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are at risk of acute malnutrition. Of these, an alarming 1.8 million children could face Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), a life-threatening condition that requires critical medical treatment. These figures are beyond numbers; millions of families cannot provide for their families’ basic needs. As it is, hunger not only affects individuals in rural communities but also spans across urban settings due to rising food prices.

When we discuss the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria, we cannot help but mention poverty as its major driver. According to The World Bank, over 129 million Nigerians are currently trapped in poverty, representing a sharp rise from 40.1 per cent in 2018 to 56 per cent in 2024. This report from the World Bank simply means that over half of Nigeria’s population of 230 million is struggling to meet basic needs, such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. Inflation and very low economic development and opportunities have greatly added to Nigeria’s poverty rates.

In turn, poverty creates conditions that deepen Nigeria’s risk of violence. In communities where there is low economic development and job opportunities, inhabitants are easily prone to violence. Frustration and desperation set in, paving the way for criminal activity, active participation in armed groups, and unrest among the inhabitants. This is not to say that poverty fuels violence; it indirectly opens individuals to seek illegal means of survival when legitimate opportunities are absent.

Conversely, violence strengthens both poverty and hunger, completing the cycle. When insecurity becomes consistent, many regions that survive on farm produce feel the impact more. Farmers are forced to abandon their farmlands because of the incessant killings, kidnappings, and destruction of agricultural produce. As farming activities reduce, income drops drastically, food supply is stifled, and food prices rise in all parts of the country.

One of the consequences of this cycle is displacement, having a lasting effect on Nigerian citizens. Violence has forced millions from their homes to depend solely on governmental and non-governmental aid. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), approximately 340 people were displaced in the first half of January 2026 due to fear of attacks and ongoing military operations. Another data published by Vanguard News disclosed that Nigeria currently hosts over 3.5 million forcibly displaced persons, ranking among countries with the largest displaced populations in Africa. Children in displaced communities experience emotional trauma, interrupted education, and poor nutrition.

While the government may claim it has greatly invested in strengthening security operations, social intervention programs, and economic reforms, the persistence of these crises suggests that these efforts are currently insufficient, thus demanding more coordinated strategies. Security interventions may be a step in addressing the crisis, but cannot resolve the underlying economic crisis. Addressing one side of the triangle while neglecting the rest only prolongs the cycle.

Ending our humanitarian crisis calls for more agricultural support programmes, infrastructural development in both rural and urban communities, education, creation of job opportunities, access to loans, and realistic interest rates.

To be realistic, the triangle confronting Nigeria is inevitable; it is simply a consequence of structural weaknesses that have piled up over time. A country where citizens struggle to eat, where citizens struggle with poverty, and where insecurity destroys livelihoods cannot achieve sustainable development and stability.

In the long run, national development, stability, and progress depend solely on breaking this cycle. Making sure that families can afford basic needs in their day-to-day activities, feed their families, and live comfortably, most importantly, live life without fear.  Until hunger is reduced, poverty declines, and violence is tamed, this dangerous triangle will continue to be a national threat.