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Latest food security analysis

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Key messages
Key Message Update January - May 2026 Prolonged conflict and economic strain drive high food assistance needs in the north Download the report
  • Prolonged conflict in the North East continues to disrupt livelihoods, limit dry season cultivation, and drive new displacements, sustaining elevated food assistance needs during the dry season and localized Crisis (IPC Phase 3) and Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes. In Borno State, intensified conflict against ISWAP/Boko Haram, along with increased use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Mobbar local government area (LGA), have triggered population movements and restricted access to residual moisture farming. 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, reducing access to critical firgi floodplains that support low‑cost dry season cultivation and contributing to Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes. Meanwhile, households in inaccessible areas of Abadam, Bama, Guzamala, Kukawa, and Marte LGAs continue to face severely limited income-earning opportunities, no humanitarian assistance, no access to dry season cultivation, and continued Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes due to ongoing insecurity.
  • As part of efforts to close all internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, the Borno State government resettled an estimated 3,000 IDPs in Darajamal in July 2025, with an additional 7,100 people resettled in Abbaram and Goniri communities of Bama LGA in January 2026. These highly vulnerable households were unable to cultivate during the main season in 2025 due to conflict and restricted access to land, and they are similarly constrained during the current dry season. Resettlement packages distributed by Borno State government — comprising 50 kilograms of rice and 100,000 NGN (approximately 65 USD) cash per household — distributed between July 2025 and January 2026 have already been depleted, and households will continue to rely on market purchase for their food needs through May 2026, sustaining Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes.
  • Worsening conflict across the North West and North Central continues to disrupt agricultural activities, eroding livelihoods, and forcing large numbers of households to flee their communities. In the North West, escalating attacks, abductions, cattle rustling, and deployment of IEDs along highways continue to disrupt ongoing dry season activities and severely limit income-earning opportunities. Persistent attacks and abductions have resulted in widespread asset losses, reduced ability to engage in livelihoods, and large-scale displacement. In Isa LGA of Sokoto State, sustained bandit attacks have forced the abandonment of at least 28 villages and surrounding farmland, displacing more than 17,000 people in January 2026 alone, according to IOM. A mass abduction of at least 160 people from different churches on January 18 has also been reported in Kajuru LGA of Kaduna State. The North Central region also continues to face persistent attacks and abductions, especially in Benue, Niger, and Plateau states. In early January, gunmen attacked some communities in Agwarra and Borgu LGAs of Niger State, killing more than 40 people and abducting others, including children. Many households in conflict-affected areas of the North West and North Central are expected to remain in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) through May 2026.
  • Dry season cultivation is ongoing in more stable parts of the north, and other parts of the country less affected by conflict; however, large-scale production remains constrained by the high cost of petroleum products and essential farm inputs, including agro-chemicals, fertilizers, and improved seeds. In these more secure areas, very poor households are generally able to meet their minimum food needs but continue to face livelihood protection gaps. As a result, these areas will likely experience Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes through May 2026.
  • Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment has shown signs of stabilization in recent months, driven by a recovery in oil production — currently targeted at 1.7-1.8 million barrels per day — and sustained expansion in the services sector, including the digital economy, finance, and telecommunications. Headline inflation eased to 15.5 percent eased to 15.5 percent in December 2025, while foreign reserves stood at 45.8 billion USD as of January 15. The NGN has also appreciated in recent weeks, closing at 1417 NGN/USD in mid-January. In the commodity market, prices of common staples continue to decline and are now approaching five-year average levels, supported by recent harvests and the government’s ongoing import waiver policy on maize, rice, and sorghum. Despite these macro-level improvements, high fuel prices and elevated costs of imported goods continue to erode purchasing power, particularly in conflict-affected regions where transport costs remain above average. Consequently, poor households’ access to food remains constrained even with relatively stable prices of locally produced staple foods.  
Read the full analysis
More analysis reports View all Nigeria food security analysis reports Monthly analysis
Food Security Outlook Update Nigeria December 2025 - May 2026
Key Message Update Nigeria November 2025 - May 2026
Food Security Outlook Nigeria October 2025 - May 2026
Alerts / special reports
Special Report Global June 23, 2025
Special Report Global May 1, 2025
Monthly analysis
Food Security Outlook Update Nigeria December 2025 - May 2026
Key Message Update Nigeria November 2025 - May 2026
Food Security Outlook Nigeria October 2025 - May 2026
Alerts / special reports
Special Report Global June 23, 2025
Special Report Global May 1, 2025
Explore food security analysis data
Description

The FEWS NET Data Explorer hosts the widest range of FEWS NET data for download or extract via API. The Data Explorer requires a free user account for access.

FEWS NET–style food security map of East Africa showing crisis severity by color, with conflict icons and alerts across Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
Acute Food Insecurity Area-Level Classifications

FEWS NET produces IPC-compatible area-level acute food insecurity classifications monthly for FEWS NET reporting countries. This data is available as spatial files, tabular files, and map images. It is a key output of FEWS NET integrated food security analysis and is reported in our Food Security Outlooks and Outlook Updates (FSO/U) and Key Message Updates (KMU).

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Map of East Africa with large colored circles over Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, and South Sudan indicating comparative regional metrics; capitals labeled.
Acutely Food Insecure Population Estimates

These estimates reflect the total population estimated to face Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse acute food insecurity outcomes, including those who are receiving humanitarian food assistance and those who are not. This tabular data is a key output of FEWS NET integrated food security analysis and is reported in our FSOs, global Food Assistance Outlook Briefs (FAOB), and semi-annual global Peak Food Assistance Needs Outlook Briefs.

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Markets and trade resources
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Monthly Global Price Watch reports

This report provides the latest outlook on global, regional, and national market trends of key commodity prices in FEWS NET reporting countries and also analyzes the various drivers influencing these trends.

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Production and Trade Flow Maps

These maps display the geography of market systems and trade flow patterns for key products, including their key market towns and cross-border trade points.

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Price data

Price data is available for a large number of countries and products around the world. This data can be used to track the change in price of commodities, food staples, agricultural inputs, and other products over time and is a key input to FEWS NET food security analysis and Global Price Watch reports.

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Agroclimatology resources
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Access FEWS NET’s remote sensing data and analysis of weather conditions.

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Weekly Global Weather Hazards reports

This report provides a global outlook on anticipated severe weather events, including maps with current weather information, short and medium range weather forecasts (up to one week), and the potential impact on crop and pasture conditions.

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Seasonal Monitor reports

This report provides regional updates on weather events, rainfall patterns, and associated impacts on ground conditions (e.g., cropping conditions, water availability) during a given geography’s rainy season, along with a short-term rainfall forecast.

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Agroclimatology data

FEWS NET and its partners offer a range of online tools that share insights on rainfall, temperature, vegetation, soil moisture, and surface water conditions derived from remote sensing data collection and modeling.

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Livelihoods resources
Description

Access FEWS NET’s maps, reports, and data on local livelihood systems.

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Nigeria 2023 Livelihood Zones Map (.PNG)
Livelihood Baselines

Baselines provide quantitative analysis of household livelihood options. It includes a detailed breakdown of food, cash, and expenditure patterns. The Baseline also highlights market patterns, seasonality, and coping strategies.

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Livelihoods Fact Sheets

Fact Sheets provide a summary of the most relevant data from the Baseline Profile for each zone.

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Livelihood Attribute Maps

Attribute Maps extract specific information from a Profile and illustrate data graphically. For example, an Attribute Map can show where poor households depend on a certain income source, such as livestock sales or casual farm labor. That information provides context, informs analysis and monitoring activities, and helps answer specific food security questions.

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Livelihood Zone maps

Zone Maps illustrate the country by zone, showing areas where people generally have the same options for obtaining food and income and engaging in trade.

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Seasonal Calendar
Description

These calendars illustrate the monthly availability of key food and income sources, plus the starts and ends to key rainy and lean seasons. They supplement livelihoods resources and are integral to FEWS NET’s food security analysis.

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Seasonal Calendar image showing harvest and rainy periods for Nigeria
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