Aid organisations are warning of a worsening hunger crisis in northern Nigeria, exacerbated by recent international funding cuts. Humanitarian groups say urgent action is needed to address food shortages and support vulnerable communities.

Abuja

Aid groups have reported an escalating hunger crisis in northern Nigeria, citing major reductions in international funding as a key factor. The World Food Programme (WFP) is facing a $100 million shortfall, resulting in reduced food distributions and the closure of 150 clinics. 

The withdrawal of USAID and budget cuts from other Western nations have further strained resources, with Nigeria losing $600 million in health funding. Aid workers warn that 600,000 children are at risk of dying due to the lack of food and health services, and millions more are in need of urgent assistance.

Aid groups warn of growing hunger crisis in Nigeria

Aid groups are raising the alarm about an unprecedented hunger crisis in northern Nigeria, where the impact of international funding cuts is hitting hard. We distribute sorghum, we distribute rice, which is the only way they get food to eat. This is where they get their livelihoods to live. So they all depend on WFP to distribute this food for them to eat. We feel very bad to tell them that there's going to, due to global funding cuts, there's going to be a reduction in caseload. Earlier this year, America dismantled USAID, and other Western nations are also cutting budgets. Normally, WFP's food programme would be able to provide food to 1.6 million people during this period. This isn't possible now due to an unprecedented shortage of resources this year. We're facing a major humanitarian crisis. Millions of people need help, but the funding isn't forthcoming. The WFP is facing a $100 million shortfall in Nigeria, and is scaling back services across the country. This is very bad. In July, we had to close 150 clinics due to a shortage of resources. We can't bring specialised food to those clinics. Aid workers say 600,000 children are at risk of dying. I feel bad for them, and for me too. It will affect my work, and I will not be happy if I'm seeing children dying, mothers dying. It's not good. Just like that, for seeing children dying, while I can help, while the donors will help the mothers. The moment the mothers are OK, the babies too will be OK. But for now, you see, most of the mothers here too are not nourished. Food distribution isn't the only program affected. Since the end of USAID, the country has lost $600 million in health funding, about a fifth of its total budget.

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