UN pledges $20m in aid to combat hunger crisis in Nigeria

The United Nations has committed to providing $20 million in aid to Nigeria to help address the hunger crisis in the northeastern region of the country. The announcement was made by UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq during a news conference at the organization’s headquarters in New York on Tuesday.

The aid will be disbursed through two channels, with $9 million coming from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and $11 million from the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund. These funds will support the government’s efforts in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, providing essential assistance such as ready-to-eat food, access to clean water, healthcare services, and agricultural support.

The humanitarian situation in the region is dire, with nearly 700,000 children under the age of five at risk of life-threatening severe acute malnutrition this year alone. Furthermore, over half a million people are expected to face emergency levels of food insecurity during the lean season from June to August.

While the emergency funding will help jumpstart the response, Haq stressed that more resources are needed to prevent widespread hunger and malnutrition. Currently, the $1.3 billion humanitarian response plan for Nigeria is only 26% funded, indicating a significant shortfall in funding.

Back in May, UNICEF warned that around 23 million Nigerians are at risk of acute food insecurity due to prolonged insecurity in the northeast, particularly in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.

The UN’s pledge of $20 million is a crucial step towards alleviating the hunger crisis in Nigeria. However, sustained effort and increased funding from both international and domestic sources will be necessary to ensure the well-being and survival of millions of vulnerable Nigerians affected by food insecurity.