A report by food security stakeholders has projected that about 4.8 million Nigerians may face critical food insecurity situations in 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) next year.

The report titled: “Cadre Harmonise for Identification of Risk Areas and Vulnerable Populations in 16 States and Federal Capital Territory", explained that between October and December, this year, about 3.1 million people would face food crisis.

Analysing the report at a stakeholder meeting on Saturday in Abuja, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Country Representative, Sufyyan Koroma said it has become necessary to provide reliable data on food security status in the 16 states and FCT.

Represented by Patrick David, Koromacalled on the Federal Government to strengthen and institutionalise the collection of data on food and nutrition in the country.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Bukar Hassan stated that the report would assist the government to take the required steps to address food crisis and emergency situation in the country.

He stressed that government was working hard to ensure that agricultural activities return fully to the North-east states affected by insurgency.

The states affected by food and nutrition insecurity are: Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara and the FCT.

The report was put together by FAO, the World Food Programme (WFP), the National Programme for Food Security (NPFS) and other donor agencies. (Daily Trust)