HUNGER CRISIS WORSENS IN NIGERIA AS UN RAISES ALARM OVER FOOD SHORTAGES AND LACK OF FUNDS
By Mohammed Tikka
Nigeria is currently experiencing a major hunger crisis that the United Nations describes as the worst in its history. Nearly 31 million people in the country are suffering from severe food shortages and urgently need assistance to survive. This massive number is equal to the population of the entire U.S. state of Texas, showing just how serious the situation is.
According to Margot van der Velden, the regional director of the World Food Program (WFP), the crisis is being made worse by a major drop in funding for humanitarian aid. She warned that from August, WFP may be forced to stop providing food support in many areas, especially those affected by conflict and violence in Nigeria. This means over 1.3 million people in the country could lose access to food, and life-saving nutrition services in the northeast could shut down.
Specifically, 150 clinics that treat malnourished children in Borno State might close, putting about 300,000 children at risk of severe hunger. Also, around 700,000 displaced people — who have already lost their homes because of violence — may be left with no food support at all.
This crisis comes at a time when international aid, especially from the United States and other Western countries, has been reduced. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which had previously played a big role in supporting Nigeria, saw major cuts during the Trump administration. These cuts, along with a general decrease in aid from other countries, have left humanitarian organizations like WFP struggling to respond.
Right now, WFP says it needs about $130 million to continue helping Nigerians this year, but it has only received about 21% of that amount. The funding shortfall is not only affecting Nigeria — many other countries in West and Central Africa are in similar situations.
For example, food support has been reduced by 60% across the region, and countries like Mali and Niger have seen over 80% cuts in emergency aid. Appeals for funding in countries such as Cameroon, Mauritania, and the Central African Republic are also falling short.
The causes of the crisis go beyond funding. Rising food prices, inflation, weak national currencies, and ongoing conflicts have made it harder for families to access food. Many have already exhausted their food supplies and are relying on aid to survive.
Van der Velden warned that when hunger increases and aid is unavailable, communities can break down, tensions rise, and violence becomes more likely. This makes it harder to maintain peace and stability in already fragile areas.
She called on the global community to act quickly and provide the needed support before the crisis leads to even greater suffering and insecurity in the region.
