UN Warns of Severe Hunger Crisis in Nigeria's Northeast Due to Aid Reductions

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) issued a stark warning on Friday, January 16, indicating that northeast Nigeria is facing the possibility of grave food shortages—the worst situation in a decade—as humanitarian assistance diminishes, leading to increased malnutrition in the area.

The report highlights that in Borno State alone, around 15,000 individuals are at risk, with over 13 million children in the broader northeast region projected to experience malnutrition by 2026, according to the agency’s findings.

The ongoing issues of conflict, displacement, and economic hardships have contributed to persistent food insecurity for several years. However, the WFP emphasizes that the recent cuts to humanitarian aid are now pushing these at- risk communities to the brink. Sarah Longford, the WFP’s deputy regional director for West and Central Africa, stated, "The reduced funding we experienced in 2025 has intensified hunger and malnutrition throughout the region."

Across West and Central Africa, approximately 55 million individuals are facing extreme food shortages, with Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger accounting for more than three-quarters of the affected population, as reported by WFP.

Although the UN agency has not disclosed specific financial figures, international aid organizations have expressed concerns since aid levels were lowered following the Trump administration's prioritization of domestic issues in its “America First” strategy last year, while the UK and other nations also redirected aid funds towards defense.

Due to budget constraints in 2025, WFP had to scale down nutrition programs in Nigeria, impacting over 300,000 children, after alerting that nearly 35 million people could face hunger as resources dwindled by December.

The WFP stated, "In Nigeria, our ability to assist is severely limited, with only 72,000 people expected to receive support in February, a sharp decline from the 1.3 million we assisted during the 2025 lean season."

Furthermore, instability in Mali has disrupted supply routes, leaving 1.5 million people in crisis conditions regarding food availability, while more than half a million individuals in Cameroon could lose access to aid in the near future, as stated by the agency.

WFP has stipulated that it requires over $453 million in the coming six months to sustain humanitarian operations in the region.

The agency cautioned that without immediate financial support and concerted action, the most vulnerable groups in West and Central Africa are on track for a depressing year ahead. “To break the persistent cycle of hunger for future generations, we must initiate a significant shift by 2026. National governments and their allies need to boost funding towards preparedness, proactive measures, and resilience-building to uplift communities,” Longford emphasized.

WFP reiterated its urgent appeal for more than $453 million within the next half-year to continue essential operations that save lives across the region.