31 million Nigerians face food insecurity as humanitarian funding collapses — FG, UN

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Nations have raised alarm over a worsening humanitarian crisis in the country, warning that more than 31 million people are now facing food insecurity as global aid financing collapses.

In a joint communiqué issued in Abuja on Tuesday to mark World Humanitarian Day 2025, both parties described the situation as an unfolding disaster requiring coordinated national and international action.

“This year’s World Humanitarian Day comes at a time when global solidarity with people in humanitarian need is at its lowest ebb. International humanitarian financing is collapsing. Many of the most vulnerable people have little or no support,” the statement read.

According to the communiqué, the impact on Nigeria is dire. It added, “In Nigeria, humanitarian needs are increasing, with food insecurity and malnutrition an unfolding disaster. Pipelines for food and nutrition that are lifelines for millions of people, especially children under the age of five, are severely disrupted, if not completely depleted. Millions of children are at risk of life-threatening severe acute malnutrition.

“It is estimated that some 31 million people are food insecure, over 10 million children under five are acutely malnourished, while 3.5 million are severely malnourished – 2.5 million of these in six states. Urgent action is needed for about 400,000 SAM children, whose lives are in the balance if there is no immediate action to reverse the situation and save their lives.”

The FG and the UN also honoured humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in conflict zones, stressing the urgent need for stronger protection of aid workers and vulnerable groups.

“Commemorating World Humanitarian Day 2025, we, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the UN system, and humanitarian partners honour the memory of our colleagues, many of them national staff, who have lost their lives helping people affected by conflict and disasters. We urgently call for the protection of humanitarian workers and civilians across the globe.