3.7 Million Children in Northeast Nigeria Suffer Malnutrition — FAO

Approximately 3.7 million children in Northeast Nigeria are affected by malnutrition, struggling with conditions such as stunting, wasting, and anemia, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

John Mukisa, the FAO Northeast Nutrition Sector Coordinator, shared this alarming statistic, prompting concerns from various stakeholders. In response, the Borno State government has partnered with the FAO to launch an enhanced initiative aimed at tackling malnutrition. The focus is on increasing the production and use of Tom Brown, a locally made, nutrient-rich food supplement.

At a high-level roundtable discussion in Abuja, key players from federal ministries, development agencies, donors, and NGOs reaffirmed their commitment to addressing food insecurity in the region. The urgent meeting followed the recent Cadre Harmonisé report, which highlighted that 25 million Nigerians are currently grappling with food insecurity, a number expected to rise to 33.1 million by the peak of the 2025 lean season, affecting 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Mukisa stressed that addressing the crisis requires innovative and cost-effective solutions, with Tom Brown emerging as a promising intervention. This fortified blend of grains is seen as a viable way to address malnutrition. Experts estimate that scaling up Tom Brown production across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states could save up to $120 million annually in healthcare and emergency response costs.

In addition to its nutritional benefits, increasing Tom Brown production could create significant economic and agricultural advantages, such as job creation, agricultural growth, revenue generation, and regional stability.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, emphasized that the production and commercialization of Tom Brown would attract private sector investment, boosting state revenue and positioning Borno as a leader in nutrition-sensitive agriculture.

Professor Baba Mallam Gana, Borno State’s Commissioner for Health and Human Services, highlighted the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s high levels of malnutrition. “Nigeria continues to bear one of the highest burdens of malnutrition globally, and today’s gathering underscores the need for community-driven solutions to tackle this crisis,” he stated. “Tom Brown has proven to be highly effective in combating malnutrition, especially for vulnerable groups such as children under five and lactating mothers.”

Koffy Dominique Kouacou, the FAO Representative ad interim, added, “Expanding Tom Brown production will not only address immediate nutritional needs but also create livelihoods, strengthen local markets, and generate revenue for regional development. To make this vision a reality, we need strong partnerships, expertise, and resources. We must focus on the human aspect behind the numbers—saving children’s lives, uplifting families, and transforming communities.”

The meeting concluded with a consensus on scaling up Tom Brown production and the creation of a roadmap for its expansion and sustainability. Stakeholders also committed to providing financial and technical support for the initiative.

The FAO and the Borno State Government are calling on donors, government agencies, the private sector, and humanitarian organizations to join efforts in expanding Tom Brown production. This initiative has the potential to transform food security efforts, save lives, and create a more resilient future for millions of Nigerians.