LONDON — A new report released on 25 September 2026 shows that malnutrition among children and pregnant women in Nigeria is rising as food and fuel prices climb, a trend that analysts attribute to the ongoing war between the United States and Iran. The surge in costs is tightening household budgets and limiting access to nutritious food and health services across the country.
Food price hikes linked to global conflict
The Aljazeera video feed titled “Rising malnutrition in Nigeria as US war on Iran raises food costs” highlights how the conflict has disrupted global grain supply chains, pushing prices of staples such as rice, maize and wheat higher. The report notes that Nigeria’s import‑dependent food market has seen a 12‑15% rise in the price of basic cereals since the war began in early 2026.
Impact on children and mothers
Healthwise.punchng.com reports that former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar has warned that the spike in food and fuel costs is driving a rise in child malnutrition. According to the article, Atiku said the government must address the “growing gap between food affordability and nutritional needs.” He added that the increase in fuel prices is also affecting the cost of transporting food to rural markets, further limiting availability for the most vulnerable.
In a complementary study published by Premium Times Nigeria, researchers linked the rise in malnutrition to weak healthcare access. The report states that maternal health outcomes have deteriorated, with a noted increase in complications during pregnancy and childbirth. It also highlights that many health facilities lack essential supplies and trained staff, a situation that has been exacerbated by the economic strain caused by higher food prices.
Government response
The Federal Ministry of Health has issued a statement acknowledging the growing malnutrition crisis. The ministry said it is working with international partners to increase food aid and improve supply chain logistics. It also announced a new nutrition program targeting children under five and pregnant women in the most affected states.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Food Authority has announced a temporary subsidy on staple grains to cushion households from the price surge. The authority said the subsidy will cover 30% of the cost of rice and maize for the next six months, pending further assessment of market conditions.
Broader economic context
Analysts point to the war’s impact on global oil markets as a secondary driver of rising costs. The conflict has pushed crude prices up by 8% in the first quarter of 2026, which in turn has increased fuel prices across Africa. Higher fuel costs have raised transportation expenses for food producers and distributors, contributing to the overall inflationary pressure on food items.
International organizations such as the World Food Programme have expressed concern over the potential for a humanitarian crisis. A spokesperson for the WFP said the organization is monitoring the situation closely and is ready to deploy emergency food assistance if needed.
Looking ahead
Experts warn that without immediate intervention, the malnutrition trend could worsen, especially in rural areas where healthcare access is already limited. The report stresses the importance of coordinated efforts between the Nigerian government, international donors, and local NGOs to address both the supply and demand sides of the food crisis.
