According to a recent Cadre Harmonisé (CH) food insecurity analysis, more than 34.7 million Nigerians across 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) could face severe food and nutrition insecurity between June and August 2026. The report, unveiled at a results presentation workshop in Abuja on Friday, also indicated that around 27.2 million people, including over 485,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), are currently experiencing crisis or worse levels of food insecurity from October to December 2025.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Produced by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) with technical support from the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and development partners, the analysis highlights a growing concern over the country’s food systems. Speaking at the workshop, the Permanent Secretary of FMAFS, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, described the findings as a “wake-up call” that demands urgent and coordinated action to prevent a worsening crisis next year.

The report noted that despite slight easing in inflation and consumer price index rates, food insecurity remains widespread. Over 55 percent of households maintaining acceptable food consumption levels are reportedly relying on coping strategies such as reducing meal quality and quantity or borrowing money to afford food. Persistently high prices of essential food items, including vegetable oil, dairy products, meat, and condiments, were attributed to the volatile naira-dollar exchange rate and high transportation costs, with increases exceeding 35 percent during the review period.

Insecurity, rising input costs, and weak rural economies continue to undermine agricultural livelihoods, particularly in the North-East, North-West, and parts of North-Central Nigeria. Farmers in these regions face restricted access to farmlands due to insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping. Rising fertilizer and agrochemical costs, which have surged by approximately 56 percent, have further discouraged participation in the 2025/2026 dry-season farming. While food import programs have helped stabilize consumer prices, they have also negatively impacted local producers, leading to losses during the cropping season.

The nutrition situation remains critical in several northern states, with Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Katsina, and Jigawa classified between “Serious” and “Critical” levels of malnutrition. Some areas, including Maiduguri, Jere, Mobbar, Jibia, and Mashi, have reached emergency phases of acute malnutrition. However, Benue State showed signs of improvement, with IDP camps in Makurdi and Guma recording “Acceptable” to “Alert” nutrition levels due to ongoing interventions.

The CH report also flagged regions experiencing crisis-level mortality, including parts of Central and Northern Borno, Southern Adamawa, and Eastern Sokoto, while emergency-level mortality was reported in Eastern Borno and Northern Adamawa. The worsening food and nutrition crisis is driven by insecurity, climate shocks such as floods and prolonged dry spells, displacement from conflict and disasters, and the adverse effects of government food imports on local production.

Dr. Hussein Gadain, FAO Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, commended Nigeria for its continued commitment to the Cadre Harmonisé process but urged immediate, multi-sectoral action in response to the findings. He described the CH as a vital early warning tool guiding humanitarian and development responses, emphasizing the need for all states to participate in the next cycle to ensure comprehensive national coverage and reliable data.

Both officials confirmed that the CH findings would inform government interventions, including the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) and the National Food Security and Nutrition Emergency Plan.

According to Nivo News, Retired Gen. Christopher Musa, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has urged Nigerian soldiers to remain committed to safeguarding the nation, describing Nigeria as a country worth fighting for. His remarks came on Friday in Abuja during a Pulling-Out Parade held in his honor, marking the conclusion of a distinguished 39-year military career.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reflecting on his journey, Musa called his service to the nation “the greatest honour” of his life, emphasizing that the ceremony symbolized the culmination of decades dedicated to the country’s protection and unity. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, who appointed him CDS in 2023, for entrusting him with the responsibility to serve.

Musa also commended his fellow military leaders and the Nigerian populace for their unwavering support in ensuring national security. In an emotional tribute, he acknowledged his family, particularly his wife and children, for their sacrifices and patience during his long absences. “You are the unsung heroes of my service, and I owe you a debt of love that can never be fully repaid,” he said.

The retired CDS encouraged members of the armed forces to continue upholding the principles of dedication, loyalty, and professionalism, noting that the military’s victories should be enduring rather than temporary. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among Nigeria’s security agencies, stating, “No single institution can win this fight alone,” while acknowledging the vital contributions of the Nigerian Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA), and other security bodies.

Musa also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Nigerian people, particularly the nation’s youth, for their resilience and belief in a brighter future, which he said inspired the military’s efforts. Concluding his farewell, he declared, “I remain a soldier at heart, a patriot committed to the sovereignty of Nigeria. This may be the end of my active service, but I will continue to serve in whatever way I can.”

According to reports, Rena Wakama, head coach of Nigeria’s D’Tigress, has been appointed as the new head coach of Hive BC ahead of the 2025–2026 season of the Unrivalled Basketball League in the United States.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Unrivalled League, co-founded in 2023 by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, launched its inaugural season in January 2025 with six teams and is set to expand to eight franchises for its second campaign in January 2026.

Wakama’s appointment was officially announced on Thursday when the league unveiled the full roster of head coaches for the upcoming season. She will join seven other coaches guiding teams in the league’s sophomore year.

“Rena Wakama will lead Hive BC in the team’s Unrivalled debut after serving as an assistant coach for the Chicago Sky,” the league stated. “She also serves as head coach of the Nigerian Women’s National Team and made history in 2024 when D’Tigress became the first African team, men’s or women’s, to reach the Olympic quarterfinals.”

At 32 years old, Wakama has achieved a remarkable rise in her coaching career. She led D’Tigress to consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles in 2023 and 2025, becoming the first female head coach to win the tournament. Under her guidance, Nigeria also reached the quarterfinals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“Since taking over as head coach in June 2023, she secured her first Women’s AfroBasket title in August 2023 and followed it with another in 2025,” the league added.

Before her national team success, Wakama served as an assistant coach at Tulane University and Stony Brook University. She began her coaching journey at Manhattan College, initially as director of basketball operations before being promoted to assistant coach. Her playing career at Western Carolina University laid the foundation for her transition into coaching.

Wakama now joins an accomplished cadre of coaches in the Unrivalled League, including Noelle Quinn (Breeze BC), Andrew Wade (Laces BC), DJ Sackmann (Lunar Owls BC), Zach O’Brien (Mist BC), Roneeka Hodges (Phantom BC), defending champion Nola Henry (Rose BC), and Teresa Weatherspoon (Vinyl BC).