The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has issued a warning to Nigeria and other African nations about the potential rise in food prices due to the temporary suspension of Ukraine’s food exports to Africa.

Isobel Coleman, USAID’s Deputy Administrator for Policy and Programming, highlighted that Russia’s decision to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative has already triggered higher global food prices.

This surge in food prices will have a significant impact on developing countries that rely on grain imports from Ukraine.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative allowed for commercial food and fertilizer exports from key Ukrainian ports, but the Russian invasion of Ukraine led to a complete halt in maritime grain shipments from the country.

Discussions to address the situation took place in April 2022, resulting in an agreement that eased food prices temporarily.

However, the deal expired on July 17, 2023, and Russia refused to renew it. As a result, countries like Nigeria, which imported about $500 million worth of grain from Ukraine in 2021, are at risk of facing higher food prices.

USAID is already seeking alternative means for Ukraine to export its grain without maritime restrictions.

In light of the crisis, the US government’s ‘Feed The Future’ campaign has invested in countries worldwide to bolster their resilience to food crises.

The situation remains dire, with Russia targeting port facilities and civilian vessels, leading to the destruction of grain crops and further exacerbating global food security concerns.