UN reports nearly 31 million Nigerians with acute food insecurity amid funding crisis.
The United Nations has issued a dire warning: Nigeria is facing one of its worst hunger crises in history, with approximately 31 million people suffering from acute food insecurity. Over the past week, aid cutbacks by major donors—including the U.S., UK, and EU—have drastically reduced the World Food Program’s (WFP) capacity to sustain relief operations across northeast Nigeria and neighboring states.
The impact is expected to be catastrophic: WFP reports that 1.3 million people could lose access to food aid, 150 nutrition clinics in Borno State may shut down, and at least 300,000 children are at risk of severe malnutrition. Additionally, some 700,000 displaced individuals face loss of essential support services. With only 21% of Nigeria’s $130 million appeal funded, the situation is rapidly deteriorating.
In response, Nigerian authorities have allocated 200 billion naira (approx. $130 million) toward health and food security, but many aid groups warn this is unlikely to fully bridge the gap. Humanitarian experts argue that without swift international reinvestment, malnutrition-related deaths—and displacement—will sharply escalate, destabilizing an already fragile region.
As donor fatigue continues, NGOs and UN agencies are scrambling to mobilize alternative funding sources. Domestic advocacy groups emphasize the urgency of sustained support, highlighting that insecurity and economic downturns are compounding the nation’s ability to cope.
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