Beyond Hunger: Unravelling the Malnutrition Crisis in Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1014-5227Keywords:
Malnutrition, Food insecuritY, Stunting, Public health, NigeriaAbstract
Nigeria, one of the most populous countries in Africa, is among the nations with the highest prevalence of child stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies, as well as increasing diet-related non-communicable diseases and food insecurity among children aged below five years. These coexisting conditions within households reflect malnutrition's paradoxical and multidimensional nature. Although individual research studies have focused on specific dimensions of malnutrition, there is a lack of overall synthesis that illustrates the causal pathway between structural determinants, biological mechanisms, and health outcomes. Moreover, heterogeneity in geographic, demographic and methodological characteristics reduces comparability between studies and evidence-based policy making. This review offers a coordinated, integrated examination of four domains of the nutritional crisis in Nigeria: (1) epidemiology of prevalence and distribution; (2) causes by the immediate, underlying and basic determinants framework of the United Nations Children’s Fund(UNICEF); (3) consequences on life-course; and (4) evaluation of policy response. Thus, malnutrition is a consequence of entrenched structural inequities, ecological vulnerability and governance failure. Mitigation strategies will involve transformative, multi-sectoral, equity-focused policies that tackle underlying determinants, increase the resilience of households, food systems and health infrastructure, going beyond simply scaling up targeted interventions.
References
Abubakar, H. A., Shahril, M. R., & Mat, S. (2024). Nutritional status and dietary intake among Nigerian adolescents: A systematic review. BMC Public Health, 24(1), 1764. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-19219-w
Adegbayi, A., Scally, A., Lesk, V., & Stewart-Knox, B. J. (2023). A survey of breastfeeding attitudes and health locus of control in the Nigerian population. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 27, 1097–1108. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-023-03638-z
Adeyemi, O. T., Touré, M., Covic, N., Van den Bold, M., Nisbett, N., & Headey, D. (2022). Understanding drivers of stunting reduction in Nigeria from 2003 to 2018: A regression analysis. Food Security, 14, 995–1011. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-022-01279-8
Adeyeye, S. A. O., Ashaolu, T. J., Bolaji, O. T., Abegunde, T. A., & Omoyajowo, A. O. (2023). Africa and the nexus of poverty, malnutrition, and diseases. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 63(5), 641–656. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.1952160
African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD). (2019). The cost of hunger in Africa: Social and economic impact of child undernutrition. African Union. https://au.int/sites/default/files/pressreleases/35551-pr-joint_press_release_-_coha_niger_en_12_12_2019_1.pdf
Agostoni, C., Baglioni, M., La Vecchia, A., Molari, G., & Berti, C. (2023). Interlinkages between climate change and food systems: The impact on child malnutrition—Narrative review. Nutrients, 15(2), 416. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15020416
Ahmed, K. Y., Dadi, A. F., Ogbo, F. A., Page, A., Agho, K. E., Akalu, T. Y., & Ross, A. G. (2023). Population-modifiable risk factors associated with childhood stunting in sub-Saharan Africa. JAMA Network Open, 6(10), e2338321. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.38321
Akinteye, J. O. (2025). Exploring the effects of fuel subsidy removal on national development: The Nigerian situation. Journal of Human Resources and Management Science, 8(7), 33–52. https://doi.org/10.70382/hujhrms.v8i7.021
Akpoghelie, E. O., Chiadika, E. O., Edo, G. I., Al-Baitai, A. Y., Zainulabdeen, K., Keremah, S. C., & Ekpekpo, L. D. (2024). Malnutrition and food insecurity in northern Nigeria: An insight into the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) in Nigeria. Discover Food, 4(1), 165. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44187-024-00249-7
Amusa, L. B., Yahya, W. B., & Bengesai, A. V. (2023). Spatial variations and determinants of malnutrition among under-five children in Nigeria: A population-based cross-sectional study. PLOS ONE, 18(4), e0284270. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0284270
Asaju, K., & Kwakano, A. (2025). Armed conflict on food security in Nigeria. International Journal of Recent Advances in Multidisciplinary Research, 12(7), 1151–1161.
Atanasova, P., Singh, S., Adebayo, A., Adekunle, F., & Adesanmi, A. (2025). Availability, affordability, awareness, preferences, and nutritional impact of biofortified crops in Nigeria. Nutrients, 17(6), 1036. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17061036
Bakare, L. A., & Abiodun, O. M. (2022). Food security crisis in Nigeria: An assessment of the influence of national policy on food and nutrition on food security in Nigeria. International Journal of Intellectual Discourse, 5(3), 101–115.
Black, M. M. (2003). Micronutrient deficiencies and cognitive functioning. The Journal of Nutrition, 133(11 Suppl 2), 3927S–3931S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/133.11.3927S
Costenbader, E., Memmott, C., Litvin, K., Green, M., Mba-Oduwusi, N., Offiaeli, I., & Hajeebhoy, N. (2025). Gendered social norms, exceptions, and sanctions: Implications for maternal, infant, and young child nutrition in Nigeria. Current Developments in Nutrition, 9(1), 104524. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.104524
De Sanctis, V., Soliman, A., Alaaraj, N., Ahmed, S., Alyafei, F., & Hamed, N. (2021). Early and long-term consequences of nutritional stunting: From childhood to adulthood. Acta Bio-Medica: Atenei Parmensis, 92(1), e2021168. https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v92i1.11346
Dessie, G., Li, J., Nghiem, S. V., & Doan, T. (2024). Prevalence and determinants of stunting-anemia and wasting-anemia comorbidities and micronutrient deficiencies in children under 5 in the least-developed countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition Reviews, 82(6), nuae063. https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuae063
Elegbeleye, J. A., Fayemi, O. E., Agbemavor, W. S. K., Krishnamoorthy, S., Adebowale, O. J., Adeyanju, A. A., Mkhabela, B., & Bamidele, O. P. (2025). Beyond calories: Addressing micronutrient deficiencies in the world's most vulnerable communities—A review. Nutrients, 17(24), 3960. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17243960
Ene-Obong, H. N., Alozie, Y. E., Abubakar, S. M., Aburime, L. C., & Leshi, O. O. (2020). Update of the nutrition situation in Nigeria. North African Journal of Food and Nutrition Research, 4(9), 63–74. https://doi.org/10.51745/najfnr.4.9.S63-S74
FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, & WHO. (2025). The state of food security and nutrition in the world 2025 – Addressing high food price inflation for food security and nutrition. FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd6008en
Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET). (2024). Nigeria food security outlook: June 2024–January 2025. https://fews.net/west-africa/nigeria/food-security-outlook/june-2024
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. (2022). Agricultural sector food security and nutrition strategy 2016–2025. http://ngfrepository.org.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/5377
Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Nigeria, National Population Commission, & ICF. (2024). Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2023–24: Key indicators report. NPC and ICF. https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/PR157/PR157.pdf
Gometi, S. A., Ikpawhore, D. O., Evuen, U. F., Omo-Okoroh, M. O., Otovbo, E. J., Okwenu, P. C., Isoje, A. I., & Onosakponome, I. (2026). Nutritional modulation of biochemical pathways in stress response: A comprehensive review. Food and Humanity, 6, 101017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foohum.2026.101017
Grantham-McGregor, S., Cheung, Y. B., Cueto, S., Glewwe, P., Richter, L., & Strupp, B. (2007). Developmental potential in the first 5 years for children in developing countries. The Lancet, 369(9555), 60–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60032-4
The Guardian Nigeria. (2024, February 12). How food prices defied interventions in agriculture sector, soared by 170% in 5yrs. https://www.pressreader.com/nigeria/the-guardian-nigeria
Guerrant, R. L., DeBoer, M. D., Moore, S. R., Scharf, R. J., & Lima, A. A. M. (2013). The impoverished gut—a triple burden of diarrhoea, stunting, and chronic disease. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 10(4), 220–229. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2012.239
International Diabetes Federation. (2025). Type 5 diabetes. https://idf.org/about-diabetes/types-of-diabetes/type-5-diabetes/
Ilo, J., Kayode, O., Jacob, T., Oduntan, B., & Lawal, R. (2025). Addressing malnutrition in Nigeria: A narrative review of causes, impacts, and pathways to nutritional resilience. Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences, 11(2), 163–175. https://doi.org/10.61186/rabms.11.2.163
Isoje, A. O., Okwuenu, P. C., Sefia, U., Otovbo, J. E., Onosakponome, I., Otedo, J. O., Gometi, S. A., & Evuen, U. F. (2026a). The pathophysiological nexus and management of diabesity: A narrative review with a focus on the Nigerian perspective. Dutse Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 12(2d), 39–54. https://doi.org/10.4314/dujopas.v12i2d.4
Isoje, A. O., Okwuenu, P. C., Etaghene, J. O., Onosakponome, I., Evuen, U. F., Otovbo, E. J., Omo-Okoroh, M. O., Akpede, E. J., & Sefia, U. (2026b). The growing concern of Type 5 diabetes mellitus: A narrative review. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Journal, 19(2), e87653. https://doi.org/10.3329/bsmmuj.v19i2.87653
John, C., Poh, B. K., Jalaludin, M. Y., Michael, G., Adedeji, I., Oyenusi, E. E., & Muhardi, L. (2024). Exploring disparities in malnutrition among under-five children in Nigeria and potential solutions: A scoping review. Frontiers in Nutrition, 10, 1279130. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1279130
Moloro, A. H., Sabo, K. G., Mare, K. U., Wengoro, B. F., Endrias, E. E., Ibrahim, R. M., Dubie, T., Ebrahim, O. A., & Lahole, B. K. (2026). Prevalence of stunting and its determinants among children under five in 35 sub-Saharan African countries (2011–2024): Insights from recent demographic health survey data using a generalized linear mixed-effects model with robust Poisson regression. PLOS ONE, 21(3), e0344358. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0344358
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). (2025). Malnutrition crisis report: Nigeria. https://www.msf.org
Müller, O. (2005). Malnutrition and health in developing countries. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 173(3), 279–286. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.050342
Musa, I., Kabir, M. Y., & Umar, A. (2026). Beyond the surface: Validating the anthropometric-biochemical link in childhood malnutrition in Sokoto State, Nigeria. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, 13(15). https://doi.org/10.51244/ijrsi.2026.1315ph00050
Mustafa, I. A., & Sa'ad, I. (2025). Farmer-herder conflict in Benue State, Nigeria. Journal of Spatial Information Sciences, 2(1), 15–25. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14809044
Nathaniel, U., & Anthony, A. (2025). Conditional cash transfer and poverty reduction among vulnerable households in Nigeria public service delivery. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 9(10), 6462–6471. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.910000527
National Population Commission (NPC) [Nigeria], & ICF International. (2014). Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2013. NPC and ICF International. https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/sites/unicef.org.nigeria/files/2018-09/Nigeria-demographic-and-health-survey-2013.pdf
National Population Commission (NPC) [Nigeria], & ICF. (2019). Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2018: Key indicators report. NPC and ICF. https://ngfrepository.org.ng:8443/bitstream/123456789/3145/1/NDHS%202018.pdf
Obada, A. A., Msughter, A. E., Namadi, H. M., & Nongubee, T. (2021). High prevalence of malnutrition in the Nigerian context. Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research, 39(1), 30916–30925. https://doi.org/10.26717/BJSTR.2021.39.006237
Obasohan, P. E., Walters, S. J., Jacques, R., & Khatab, K. (2024). Socioeconomic, demographic, and contextual predictors of malnutrition among children aged 6–59 months in Nigeria. BMC Nutrition, 10(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-023-00813-x
Oche, M. O., Umar, A. S., & Ahmed, H. (2011). Knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding in Kware, Nigeria. African Health Sciences, 11(3), 518–523.
Ojiako, C. I., Okoye, E. C., & Lawrence, O. F. (2025). Economic downturn and rising insecurity in Nigeria: The reverse causality. International Journal of Public Administration and Development Studies, 2(2), 13–26. https://ijpads.com/index.php/ijpads/article/view/40
Okolo-Obasi, N. E., & Uduji, J. I. (2024). The impact of national home-grown school feeding programme (NHGSFP) on rural communities in Nigeria. Journal of Economic and Administrative Sciences, 40(5), 988–1005. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEAS-10-2021-0211
Okyere, J., Donkoh, I. E., Seidu, A. A., Ahinkorah, B. O., Aboagye, R. G., & Yaya, S. (2024). Mother-child dyads of overnutrition and undernutrition in sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition, 43(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41043-023-00479-y
Omokpariola, D., Agbanu-Kumordzi, C., Omoefe, G., Idris, T., Samuel, T., Andikan, V. D., & Kwame, A. C. (2026). Malnutrition and double burden of disease: The African dilemma of non-communicable disease. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 10, 1800043. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2026.1800043
Onwujekwe, O., Agwu, P., Onuh, J., Uzochukwu, B., Ajaero, C., Mbachu, C., Orjiakor, C. T., Odii, A., & Mirzoev, T. (2023). An analysis of urban policies and strategies on health and nutrition in Nigeria. Urban Research & Practice, 16(1), 66–91. https://doi.org/10.1080/17535069.2021.1932020
Onwunyi, U. M., & Anekwe, N. J. (2020). Interrogating clashes in Benue State and their implications on food security in Nigeria. Social Scientia: Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 5(3), 69–85. https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/SS/article/view/1137
Pinto Jimenez, C. E., Keestra, S. M., Tandon, P., Pickering, A. J., Moodley, A., Cumming, O., & Chandler, C. I. (2023). One Health WASH: An AMR-smart integrative approach to preventing and controlling infection in farming communities. BMJ Global Health, 8(3), e011263. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2022-011263
Popoola, G., & Popoola, O. (2024). Food insecurity transition among agricultural households in Nigeria. Journal of Development Agriculture, 14(4), 924515. https://doi.org/10.1353/jda.2024.a924515
Rita, U. O., Oritsematosan, M. O., & Adaighofua, O. (2026). Crop biofortification as an intervention strategy for reducing nutritional diseases among rural farmers in Okpe LGA, Delta State, Nigeria. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 11(4), 2917–2928. https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr1256
Sablah, M. (2019). Causes and impacts of undernutrition over the life course. UNICEF. https://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/events/pdf/expert/30/presentations/Tuesday/Session4/Causes%20-%20Consequences%20of%20Undernutrition%20ICPD%20-%20UNICEF.pdf
Seiler, J., Müller, B., Günther, I., Wetscher, M., Stauffer, R., Umlauf, N., & Harttgen, K. (2026). Co-occurrence patterns of malnutrition indicators among children in sub-Saharan Africa. Nature Communications, 17, Article 1426. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43856-026-01426-8
Sommer, A. (1995). Vitamin A deficiency and its consequences: A field guide to detection and control (3rd ed.). World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/40535
Ukwe, C. (2025). Nigeria and food security challenges: Intertwining of climate change and non-state armed groups and policy interventions. IntechOpen. https://www.intechopen.com/online-first/1189542
UNICEF. (2019). Nutrition. https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/nutrition
UNICEF. (2024a). 1 in 3 children in Nigeria experiences severe child food poverty due to conflict, climate crises, and inequity. https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/press-releases/1-3-children-nigeria-experiences-severe-child-food-poverty-due-conflict-climate
UNICEF. (2024b). The state of the world's children 2024: Child nutrition. https://www.unicef.org
UNICEF, WHO, & World Bank Group Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates (JME). (2025). Levels and trends in child malnutrition: Key findings of the 2025 edition. World Health Organization. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/381846/9789240112308-eng.pdf
Utobo, O., Obiekwe, N. J., Nwankwo-Offiah, E. O., & Muojekwu, A. C. (2025). Impact of insecurity on food security in Benue State, Nigeria. International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research, 3(3), 149–161. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17247398
Vanguard. (2025, November 14). FG launches Nigeria's legislative framework for nutrition and food security. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/11/fg-launches-nigerias-legislative-framework-for-nutrition-and-food-security/
Wariri, O., Akhimienho, K., Alhassan, J., Jalo, I., Oloyede, I., Nyong, E., & Bode-Thomas, F. (2020). Population and individual-level double burden of malnutrition among adolescents in two emerging cities in northern and southern Nigeria: A comparative cross-sectional study. Annals of Global Health, 86(1), 93. https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.3093
World Bank. (2022). Project appraisal document: Accelerating nutrition results in Nigeria. World Bank Group. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/708631523136519588/pdf/Project-Information-Document-Integrated-Safeguards-Data-Sheet-Accelerating-Nutrition-Results-in-Nigeria-P162069.pdf
World Bank. (2025). Nigeria poverty & equity brief. https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/099253204222517873
World Health Organization. (2023). Malnutrition (fact sheet). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition
World Health Organization & United Nations Children's Fund. (2021). Indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practices: Definitions and measurement methods. World Health Organization. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/340706
Yunusa, U., Zakirai, M. S., Yunusa, A., Bello, U. L., Ibrahim, A. H., Mohammed, S., Yunusa, H., Rajah, A. S., Olugbodi, K. H., & Yunusa, Y. (2026). Nigeria's public health system: A narrative review of key indicators, systemic challenges, and community-based solutions. Journal of Community Medicine & Primary Health Care, 38(1), 14–27.
Yusuf, A. B., Sani, I., John, E., & Adetunji, K. O. (2025). Assessment of micronutrient deficiencies among children under five in selected urban and rural areas of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, Kebbi State, Nigeria. South Asian Journal of Life Sciences, 30(2), 22–34. https://doi.org/10.33003/sajols-2025-030222-34
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
Categories
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Mercy Omo-Okoroh, Uduenevwo Francis Evuen, Tobechukwu Valerie Odim-Kalu, Godwin Dele Ebiowei, Iruoghene Onosakponome, Prosper Chinyelum Okwuenu, Abigail Okezi Isoje
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
