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GHRC Policy Insight Series No. 001 · 2026
Food Security and Internal Displacement in Nigeria
Building resilient communities through social protection, responsible innovation, and sustainable development.
Key facts at a glance
The latest evidence paints a concerning picture
| Indicator | Current situation |
|---|---|
| Primary drivers | Conflict, climate shocks, inflation, displacement, and disruption of local food systems remain the principal causes of food insecurity. |
| Most affected groups | Women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities, smallholder farmers, and internally displaced persons continue to face the highest levels of vulnerability. |
Foreword
A defining moment in Nigeria's development journey
Nigeria possesses immense agricultural potential, abundant natural resources, and an energetic population capable of driving sustainable economic transformation. Yet millions of Nigerians continue to experience hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and displacement — a profound disconnect between national potential and lived reality.
At GHRC, we believe food security is not simply an agricultural issue but a human development issue that intersects with public health, education, economic inclusion, environmental sustainability, governance, innovation, and peacebuilding.
Together, we can build a Nigeria where every individual has the opportunity to live with dignity, contribute meaningfully to society, and enjoy the fundamental right to food and sustainable livelihoods.
Olufemi Adenitan, LL.B, B.L, MA, MRes
Executive Director, Green House Resource Centre
Executive summary
Beyond emergency response
Food security has become one of Nigeria's most urgent development priorities — a multidimensional issue affecting economic growth, public health, education, governance, environmental sustainability, national security, and social cohesion.
Internal displacement intensifies these vulnerabilities. Families displaced by insurgency, communal violence, banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, flooding, and other disasters frequently lose access to farmland, employment, education, healthcare, and social support networks.
This Policy Insight argues that sustainable food security cannot be achieved through food distribution alone — it requires integrated policies that address the structural drivers of vulnerability while strengthening resilience.
Six priorities for action
- Strengthening social protection systems to reduce vulnerability and improve household resilience.
- Promoting evidence-based policymaking and institutional coordination.
- Advancing responsible innovation to improve agricultural productivity and food systems.
- Expanding entrepreneurship, rural livelihoods, and inclusive economic opportunities.
- Investing in peacebuilding, climate adaptation, and community resilience.
- Building strategic partnerships across government, academia, civil society, and the private sector.
Proposed framework
The GHRC Integrated Resilience Framework (GIRF)
A holistic approach that places people at the centre of development while recognising the interdependence of social protection, innovation, governance, economic inclusion, and sustainable partnerships — providing a practical foundation for policies that respond to crises and reduce future vulnerability.
This publication calls for a shift in national thinking: from managing food crises to building resilient food systems; from short-term relief to sustainable development; and from fragmented interventions to coordinated, evidence-based action.
Key messages
Food security is a human development issue, not simply an agricultural concern.
Internal displacement significantly increases vulnerability to hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.
Humanitarian assistance saves lives, but lasting food security requires resilient food systems, sustainable livelihoods, and effective public institutions.