How 3.7m Children In Northeast Nigeria Face Malnutrition Crisis – FAO Reveals

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has warned that 3.7 million children in Northeast Nigeria are suffering from malnutrition, including stunted growth, wasting, and anemia. This crisis has prompted urgent action from both FAO and the Borno State Government, which have partnered to expand the production of Tom Brown, a nutrient-rich food made from locally sourced ingredients.

“Tom Brown has already proven effective in reducing malnutrition and preventing relapse by up to 35% among children discharged from UNICEF and WFP-supported nutrition centres,” FAO stated.

The FAO also revealed that it had improved Tom Brown by adding fish protein, which is processed in local centers and distributed as emergency nutritional aid to families affected by floods in 2024.

Urgent Action Needed as Food Insecurity Worsens

At a high-level roundtable discussion, representatives from federal ministries, Borno State Government officials, donors, United Nations agencies, and non-governmental organizations reaffirmed their commitment to tackling the crisis.

John Mukisa, Nutrition Sector Coordinator representing the Northeast Nutrition Sector at FAO, said that the 3.7 million children affected by malnutrition need immediate intervention.

“Investments in low-cost, innovative, and locally sourced solutions such as Tom Brown could save the Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states an estimated USD 120 million annually,” Mukisa said.

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The discussion was held at a critical time, following the release of the latest Cadre Harmonisé figures, which showed that 25 million Nigerians are facing food insecurity. The FAO warned that this number could increase to 33.1 million by the lean season between June and August 2025, affecting 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

FAO Highlights Benefits of Tom Brown Production

The FAO emphasised that expanding Tom Brown production offers several benefits, including strengthening agricultural markets, boosting regional revenue, and enhancing food security.

“Nigeria continues to bear one of the highest burdens of malnutrition globally. This reality underscores the urgency of our gathering today. It is imperative that we adopt innovative, community-driven approaches to combat malnutrition and ensure food security,” said Baba Mallam Gana, Commissioner of Health and Human Services for Borno State.

Gana added that Tom Brown has been particularly effective in addressing malnutrition among children under five and lactating mothers.

“Scaling up Tom Brown will not only meet urgent nutritional needs but also create livelihood opportunities, strengthen local markets, and generate revenue for regional development,” FAO stated.

Private Sector Investment to Boost Nutrition Efforts

FAO’s Representative ad interim, Koffy Dominique Kouacou, highlighted the potential for private sector involvement in the production and commercialisation of Tom Brown.

“The production and commercialisation of Tom Brown will attract investment from the private sector, boosting state revenue and positioning Borno as a leader in nutrition-sensitive agriculture,” Kouacou said.

Stakeholders at the roundtable agreed on a shared roadmap for expanding Tom Brown production. They also discussed plans for establishing a dedicated production facility to ensure sustainability.

With millions of children at risk, the FAO and Borno State Government are moving quickly to scale up efforts, ensuring that lifesaving nutrition reaches those who need it most.