By Abdullahi Lukman
At least 36.3 million Nigerians were facing crisis-level or worse food insecurity in August 2026, while prices of major staples such as maize, millet and sorghum continued to rise, according to the latest Food Security Monitor by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).
The report estimated that 36,289,939 people, or 16.65 per cent of the population covered by the assessment, were experiencing IPC/CH Phase 3 or worse food insecurity.
Nigeria recorded the highest absolute number among the 17 African countries monitored, ahead of South Sudan, Kenya and Mozambique.
Nigeria’s August figure was unchanged from July, indicating that the country recorded no significant improvement in its food security situation during the month.
AGRA attributed persistent food insecurity across West Africa to conflict, insecurity, displacement, high food prices and weather-related challenges affecting agricultural production. In Nigeria, the impact has been particularly severe in conflict-affected northern communities, where insecurity has disrupted farming, livelihoods, market access and humanitarian assistance.
White maize recorded a 5.2 per cent monthly increase in Nigeria, reaching an average of N355.29 per kilogramme in August. Although maize was still 10.9 per cent cheaper than a year earlier, its price was 9.3 per cent higher than three months earlier and 19.3 per cent above the level recorded six months earlier.
Millet prices also increased, rising 2.1 per cent month-on-month to N474.88 per kilogramme. The price was 15.5 per cent higher than three months earlier and 19.7 per cent above its six-month level.
White sorghum recorded the sharpest increase among the major grains, with its average price rising 6.6 per cent to N439.10 per kilogramme. Sorghum was 10.3 per cent more expensive than three months earlier, 32.6 per cent higher than six months earlier and 13.8 per cent above its year-earlier price.
Rice, however, moved in the opposite direction. The average price of milled rice fell 6.9 per cent in August to N616.94 per kilogramme. It was also 18.4 per cent lower than six months earlier and 31.8 per cent below its August 2025 level, which AGRA said pointed to improved supply conditions.
The food security pressures come as global food prices also increased. AGRA reported that the FAO Food Price Index rose 1.9 per cent in August to 133.3 points, while global cereal prices increased by 2.2 per cent.
AGRA warned that Nigeria and the wider region could face further pressure from irregular rainfall, localised moisture shortages, conflict, displacement and disruptions to markets. It also cited a developing El Niño event as a potential additional climate risk, with drier-than-normal conditions expected in parts of central Nigeria.
The organisation said stronger preparedness, climate adaptation and resilience-building would be necessary to protect food production and improve access to food across Africa.
