News

UN: SDG 2, Zero Hunger may not be Achieved in 2030

Published

1 year ago

July 24, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

UN: SDG 2, Zero Hunger may not be Achieved in 2030
***1/5th of Africans Faced Hunger in 2023

By: Michael Mike

The World is at the risk of not achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 and Zero Hunger by 2030.

The annual report, launched this year in the context of the G20 Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty Task Force Ministerial Meeting in Brazil, issued by five United Nations (UN) agencies has warned.

The report which showed that the world has been set back 15 years, with levels of undernourishment comparable to those in 2008-2009, disclosed that around 733 million people faced hunger in 2023, equivalent to one in eleven people globally and one in five in Africa, according to the latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) published on Wednesday by five United Nations specialized agencies.

A statement on Thursday by the United Nations agencies said despite some progress in specific areas such as stunting and exclusive breastfeeding, an alarming number of people continue to face food insecurity and malnutrition as global hunger levels have plateaued for three consecutive years, with between 713 and 757 million people undernourished in 2023—approximately 152 million more than in 2019 when considering the mid-range (733 million).

The statement said: “Regional trends vary significantly: the percentage of the population facing hunger continues to rise in Africa (20.4 percent), remains stable in Asia (8.1 percent)—though still representing a significant challenge as the region is home to more than half of those facing hunger worldwide —and shows progress in Latin America (6.2 percent). From 2022 to 2023, hunger increased in Western Asia, the Caribbean, and most African subregions.

“If current trends continue, about 582 million people will be chronically undernourished in 2030, half of them in Africa, warn the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organisation (WHO). This projection closely resembles the levels seen in 2015 when the Sustainable Development Goals the were adopted, marking a concerning stagnation in progress.”

The report highlighted that access to adequate food remains elusive for billions. In 2023, around 2.33 billion people globally faced moderate or severe food insecurity, a number that has not changed significantly since the sharp upturn in 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those, over 864 million people experienced severe food insecurity, going without food for an entire day or more at times.

The report added that this number has remained stubbornly high since 2020 and while Latin America showed improvement, broader challenges persist, especially in Africa where 58 percent of the population is moderately or severely food insecure.

“The lack of economic access to healthy diets also remains a critical issue, affecting over one-third of the global population. With new food price data and methodological improvements, the publication reveals that over 2.8 billion people were unable to afford a healthy diet in 2022. This disparity is most pronounced in low-income countries, where 71.5 percent of the population cannot afford a healthy diet, compared to 6.3 percent in high-income countries. Notably, the number dropped below pre-pandemic levels in Asia and in Northern America and Europe, while it increased substantially in Africa.

“While progress has been made in increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates among infants to 48%, achieving global nutrition targets will be a challenge. Low birthweight prevalence has stagnated around 15%, and stunting among children under five, while declining to 22.3%, still falls short of achieving targets. Additionally, the prevalence of wasting among children has not seen significant improvement while anaemia in women aged 15 to 49 years has increased,” the report further said.

According to the report: “Similarly, new estimates of adult obesity show a steady increase over the last decade, from 12.1 percent (2012) to 15.8 percent (2022). Projections indicate that by 2030, the world will have more than 1.2 billion obese adults. The double burden of malnutrition – the co-existence of undernutrition together with overweight and obesity – has also surged globally across all age groups. Thinness and underweight have declined in the last two decades, while obesity has risen sharply.

“These trends underscore the complex challenges of malnutrition in all its forms and the urgent need for targeted interventions as the world is not on track to reach any of the seven global nutrition targets by 2030, the five agencies indicate.

“Food insecurity and malnutrition are worsening due to a combination of factors, including persisting food price inflation that continues to erode economic gains for many people in many countries. Major drivers like conflict, climate change, and economic downturns are becoming more frequent and severe. These issues, along with underlying factors such as unaffordable healthy diets, unhealthy food environments and persistent inequality, are now coinciding simultaneously, amplifying their individual effects.”

This year’s report’s theme “Financing to end hunger, food insecurity and all forms of malnutrition’’, emphasized that achieving SDG 2 Zero Hunger requires a multi-faceted approach, including transforming and strengthening agrifood systems, addressing inequalities, and ensuring affordable and accessible healthy diets for all. It calls for increased and more cost-effective financing, with a clear and standardized definition of financing for food security and nutrition.

The heads of the five UN agencies, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu; IFAD President Alvaro Lario; UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell; WFP’s Executive Director Cindy McCain; and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus write in the report’s Foreword: “Estimating the gap in financing for food security and nutrition and mobilizing innovative ways of financing to bridge it must be among our top priorities. Policies, legislation and interventions to end hunger and ensure all people have access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food (SDG Target 2.1), and to end all forms of malnutrition (SDG Target 2.2) need significant resource mobilization. They are not only an investment in the future, but our obligation. We strive to guarantee the right to adequate food and nutrition of current and future generations”.

The statement said, as highlighted during a recent event in the High-Level Political Forum at UN headquarters in New York, the report underscores that the looming financing gap necessitates innovative, equitable solutions, particularly for countries facing high levels of hunger and malnutrition exacerbated by climate impacts.

It said: “Countries most in need of increased financing face significant challenges in access. Among the 119 low- and middle-income countries analyzed, approximately 63 percent have limited or moderate access to financing. Additionally, the majority of these countries (74 percent) are impacted by one or more major factors contributing to food insecurity and malnutrition. Coordinated efforts to harmonize data, increase risk tolerance, and enhance transparency are vital to bridge this gap and strengthen global food security and nutrition frameworks.

The FAO Director-General, Qu Dongyu said: “Transforming agrifood systems is more critical than ever as we face the urgency of achieving the SDGs within six short years. FAO remains committed to supporting countries in their efforts to eradicate hunger and ensure food security for all. We will work together with all partners and with all approaches, including the G20 Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, to accelerate the needed change. Together, we must innovate and collaborate to build more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems that can better withstand future challenges for a better world.”

IFAD President, Alvaro Lario: “The fastest route out of hunger and poverty is proven to be through investments in agriculture in rural areas. But the global and financial landscape has become far more complex since the Sustainable Development Goals were adopted in 2015. Ending hunger and malnutrition demands that we invest more – and more smartly. We must bring new money into the system from the private sector and recapture the pandemic-era appetite for ambitious global financial reform that gets cheaper financing to the countries who need it most.”

UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell: “Malnutrition affects a child’s survival, physical growth, and brain development. Global child stunting rates have dropped by one third, or 55 million, in the last two decades, showing that investments in maternal and child nutrition pay off. Yet globally, one in four children under the age of five suffers from undernutrition, which can lead to long-term damage. We must urgently step-up financing to end child malnutrition. The world can and must do it. It is not only a moral imperative but also a sound investment in the future.”

WFP Executive Director, Cindy McCain: “A future free from hunger is possible if we can rally the resources and the political will needed to invest in proven long-term solutions. I call on G20 leaders to follow Brazil’s example and prioritize ambitious global action on hunger and poverty. “We have the technologies and know-how to end food insecurity – but we urgently need the funds to invest in them at scale. WFP is ready to step up our collaboration with governments and partners to tackle the root causes of hunger, strengthen social safety nets and support sustainable development so every family can live in dignity.”

WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: “The progress we have made on reducing stunting and improving exclusive breastfeeding shows that the challenges we face are not insurmountable. We must use those gains as motivation to alleviate the suffering that millions of people around the world endure every day from hunger, food insecurity, unhealthy diets and malnutrition. The substantial investment required in healthy, safe and sustainably produced food is far less than the costs to economies and societies if we do nothing.”

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World is an annual report jointly prepared by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Since 1999, it has monitored and analysed the world’s progress towards ending hunger, achieving food security and improving nutrition. It also provides an in-depth analysis of key challenges for achieving these goals in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The report targets a wide audience, including policymakers, international organizations, academic institutions and the general public.

This year’s theme is timely and relevant in the run-up to the Summit of the Future, and the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in 2025.

UN: SDG 2, Zero Hunger may not be Achieved in 2030

Military

NSCDC Intensifies Anti-Corruption Fight, Inaugurates New Heads of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit

Published

2 hours ago

December 3, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NSCDC Intensifies Anti-Corruption Fight, Inaugurates New Heads of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reinforced its commitment to combating corruption by inaugurating new heads of its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) and unveiling a robust Corruption Prevention Strategy.

Commandant General (CG) of NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi on Wednesday charged the newly inaugurated ACTU heads to lead by example, enforce compliance without fear or favour, and resist undue pressure by upholding the values of integrity, transparency, and accountability.

The CG, represented by the Deputy Commandant General (Administration), DCG Adeyinka Ayinla, delivered the keynote address at a one-day sensitization workshop, inauguration ceremony, and integrity award event held at the Corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja.

Audi stated that the new NSCDC Corruption Prevention Strategy is designed to reduce misconduct, promote due process, and reinforce internal discipline within the Corps. He applauded the support of President Bola Tinubu, through the Minister of Interior, Honourable Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu, stressed that corruption undermines service delivery, erodes public confidence, distorts development priorities, and weakens the security architecture of a nation.

Aliyu, represented by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, assured the NSCDC of the Commission’s continued partnership in championing preventative measures across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and appreciated the Corps for its strong anti-corruption posture.

Earlier, the Chairman of the NSCDC ACTU, Acting Commandant Audrey Obeh, described the gathering as a “transformative moment” and a testament to the Corps’ dedication to integrity and national development. She commended the Commandant General for his visionary leadership, which has provided an enabling platform for the ACTU to thrive.

“The inauguration of ACTU Heads, integrity awards, and unveiling of the NSCDC corruption prevention strategy all demonstrate how we are intentionally strengthening the pillars of accountability within our system,” Commandant Obeh stated.

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of integrity awards to deserving officers and staff.

The CG of NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi, received the Integrity Champion and Visionary Award.

The erstwhile Chairman of NSCDC ACTU, Commandant of Corps Remi Ekundayo, bagged the Distinguished ACTU Chairperson Emeritus Award.

Other recipients included ASCII Amanze Abraham Onyedikachi (ACTU Integrity, Ethics and Compliance Award), and CSC Aremu Rafiu (Kwara State Command), CSC Akinwande Adesola Comfort (Oyo State Command), SC Umar Abubakar Ladan (Borno State Command), and SC Yusuf Ibrahim Yusuf (Jigawa State Command), who all received the ACTU Outstanding Performance and Distinguished Service Award.

Goodwill messages were also delivered by representatives from sister agencies, including the Controller General of Immigration, the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

NSCDC Intensifies Anti-Corruption Fight, Inaugurates New Heads of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit

News

Indigenous Contractors Call on President Tinubu to Pay Owed N500 billion Contract Money to Stop their Untimely Death

Published

2 hours ago

December 3, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Indigenous Contractors Call on President Tinubu to Pay Owed N500 billion Contract Money to Stop their Untimely Death

By: Michael Mike

Indigenous contractors have cried to federal government to immediately pay them for contracts they have fully agreed executed in order to stem the tide of death of their counterparts and severe hardship all of them of continued to bear due to continued non-payment of what is due to them.

The group who thronged the federal ministry of finance for the second day running to protest non-payment of over N500 billion to indigenous contractors for contracts already completed and since commission, lamenting severe hardship of contractors and called on the President to intervene immediately.

Speaking during the protest in Abuja, representatives of the Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria said the government’s failure to release payments for fully executed 2024 federal projects has pushed many contractors into financial distress, loss of property, illness and in some cases death.

Haruna Gabari, President of the Nigerian Indigenous Contractors Association, highlighted the non-payment of contractors for 2024 projects, expressing frustration over the federal government taking credit for contracts executed by contractors without providing the approved payments.

He said: “We are protesting the contract we executed on behalf of the Nigerian federal government, a contract commissioned and executed by the federal government, particularly by members of the National Assembly, who have taken credit for it. But so far, the federal government has not paid us.”

Gabari called for presidential intervention to ensure payment and accountability. He urged the President to direct the Minister of Finance and the Coordinator of the Ministry of Economy to release the outstanding funds.

“So what we are asking is that the president intervene and demand that the Minister of Finance and the Coordinator of the Ministry of Economy pay us our money,” he noted.

He criticized the Minister of Finance for alleged incompetence and its impact on the economy. He argued that unpaid contractors slow economic activity and blamed the minister for stagnation.

“He has shown himself to be irresponsible in his duties and incapable of handling such an important position. We are the leaders of the economy. When we pay the contractors, the economy moves. But as you can see, the economy is stagnant. It’s stagnant, nothing is moving,” he said.

Gabari highlighted the human cost of the delay in payments. He spoke of contractors who are sick, hospitalized, or have lost property due to the unpaid contracts, condemning the perceived indifference of the Ministry of Finance.

“Some of our members are dying. Some are in the hospital. Some have lost their property. In response to our disaster, the minister told us that people are dying every day. If contractors are dying, what’s so special about that? Because he’s asking us to die, and we’re asking ourselves to die too,” he stated.

He further warned of escalating consequences if payments are not made promptly. He implied that continued inaction could lead to further economic and social distress, pressing the urgency for immediate government response.

“Before the end of December, by His grace, he will be normal. He will join some of our members who have died,” he said, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the human toll of delayed payments.

Public Relations Officer of the Association, Rotimi Raheem, emphasized the ongoing delay in payment for 2024 contracts. He highlighted that despite repeated protests and official meetings, the contractors have yet to receive their dues.

“We were here, we protested, this is our third time of protesting. We protested about a month ago in National Assembly, in which the leadership of National Assembly met with the President and told the Minister of Finance, instructed the Minister of Finance to pay us. We have submitted our list for about three weeks ago. Up till now our payment has not been made,” he said.

He pointed out that the contractors have been persistent in their demonstrations to secure payment. Raheem noted that the protesters have been camping overnight and engaging directly with officials to press for immediate action.

“We started this protest yesterday and we slept here all through the night. A permanent secretary came out yesterday that our payment will be made before the month end. We told him we are not for that,” he said.

Raheem stressed the urgency for a prompt resolution within 48 hours, explaining that leadership is trying to negotiate a pathway to ensure the funds are released to contractors without further delay.

“We have called our leadership for negotiation this money, that we should give them way in, so that in the next 48 hours our money will be paid. But up till now, we are trying to convince our members to give them the way so that they can enter,” he said.

He further highlighted the accountability of the Finance Ministry in the delay,stressing that the failure to release funds reflects poorly on the ministry and undermines the economic contributions of contractors.

“The leadership of National Assembly met with the President and told the Minister of Finance, instructed the Minister of Finance to pay us. We have submitted our list for about three weeks ago. Up till now our payment has not been made,” he said.

Indigenous Contractors Call on President Tinubu to Pay Owed N500 billion Contract Money to Stop their Untimely Death

News

Envoy: Cinema, Now Tool of Growing Chino-Nigerian Relationship

Published

3 hours ago

December 3, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Envoy: Cinema, Now Tool of Growing Chino-Nigerian Relationship

By: Michael Mike

The China Cultural Centre, Counsellor Yang Jianxing has explained that cinema is now emerging as the latest tool in building bilateral, stating that film and artistic collaboration would continued to be employed to boost Chino-Nigerian relations.

He made the declaration on Tuesday evening at the Chinese Embassy’s masterclass and special screening of the acclaimed documentary, ‘Rooting’ at the Zuma International Film Festival in Abuja.

Yang said the series of events is not only a cinematic feast, but also a dialogue between civilisations and a testament to friendship.

The counselor, who represented the Chinese Ambassador in Nigeria, Yu Dunhai described the featured documentary Rooting, filmed over four years in Yunnan Province, as “a condensed visual chronicle of China’s poverty alleviation efforts.”

He said the film follows a rural villager who escapes poverty with the help of targeted government policies and has earned multiple awards at international film festivals.

Yang said the film’s message mirrors the hopes of many Nigerians. “The film’s theme resonates deeply with the Nigerian people’s aspirations for national development and a better life, and we believe the authentic footage and heartfelt language will strongly resonate with audiences.”

While speaking further, he extended appreciation to festival organisers and key Nigerian film figures.

He said: “On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Zuma International Film Festival Organising Committee for their meticulous preparations and warm invitation.”

He also praised the Chinese filmmakers behind Rooting for travelling to Nigeria for the screening. “I extend my highest respect to Director Chai Hongfang and Director of Editing Zhou Xinxia, who have travelled all the way from China, and express my heartfelt thanks to China Harbour Engineering Company (Nigeria) Ltd. for their tremendous support,” he added.

Highlighting the cultural dynamism of both Nigeria and China, he observed that “China and Nigeria are world-renowned film-producing countries,” adding that Nollywood’s output of 2,500 films annually makes it the world’s second-largest film industry.

He described the Zuma Film Festival as “an important window for exchange and mutual learning between different civilisations.”

Jianxing also spotlighted China’s own cinematic growth. “In 2024, the number of screens in China exceeded 90,000, and the total box office reached 6 billion US dollars,” he said, noting the country’s evolution from black-and-white productions to a global film powerhouse.

He underscored the cultural weight of documentary filmmaking, despite limited commercial returns. “We should pay our highest respects to Director Chai Hongfang, Director of Editing Zhou Xinxia and their colleagues for their dedication and contributions to social progress,” he said.

Yang however announced that another Chinese documentary, SHENZHOU13, filmed by astronauts aboard the Shenzhou Space Station, would also be screened at the festival. “We believe this screening of Chinese films will be another beautiful chapter in the history of cultural exchange between our two countries,” he stated.

Yang while linking the event to broader policy, explained that the outcomes of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee emphasised deeper global cultural exchanges. He reminded the audience that 2026 is designated the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, adding: “We look forward to deeper exchanges and cooperation between China and Nigeria in the film field, playing a bridging role in enhancing the friendship between the two peoples.”

Envoy: Cinema, Now Tool of Growing Chino-Nigerian Relationship