In a concerted effort to combat the escalating food security and nutrition crisis in Nigeria’s northeastern states; Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), in partnership with the United Nations (UN), has launched a $159 million multisectoral response plan. This initiative aims to address the urgent needs of millions affected by years of conflict, climate change, and economic instability. Also, it seeks to provide urgent assistance to 2.8 million vulnerable individuals during the lean season from May to September 2025.
Origins of the Crisis
The roots of the current food insecurity in northeastern Nigeria are multifaceted. Since 2009, the region has been embroiled in a violent insurgency led by Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). These armed groups have targeted farmers, fishermen, and livestock herders, leading to widespread displacement and a collapse of local economies. For instance, in November 2020, over 110 farmers were killed in the Koshebe massacre while working in their rice fields.
In addition to conflict, the region has faced devastating floods. The collapse of the Alau Dam in September 2024 displaced hundreds of thousands and destroyed over 1.5 million hectares of farmland. Such natural disasters, combined with the effects of climate change, have exacerbated the challenges to food production.
Historical Context of the Crisis
The present situation is not an isolated incident. The northeast has experienced recurrent food crises over the years. In 2016, the region faced a severe nutritional emergency, with up to 50% of children under five acutely malnourished. Similarly, in 2021, the UN warned that 8.7 million people in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states required humanitarian assistance, necessitating $1.01 billion in funding.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) revealed a sobering reality for Nigeria. According to UNICEF data, Nigeria now holds the grim title of having the highest number of malnourished children in Africa, surpassing even war-torn Sudan. The report released on Monday placed Nigeria as the second-highest globally in terms of child malnutrition. This development shows the worsening crisis of food insecurity, poverty, and inadequate healthcare in the country, despite its vast natural and human resources.
UNICEF’s research simply pointed out that millions of Nigerian children under the age of five are suffering from acute malnutrition, which is a condition that severely affects their physical and cognitive development, often leading to preventable deaths.
The northern regions of the country remain particularly vulnerable, with insurgency and displacement worsening the humanitarian crisis. UNICEF has called for immediate and coordinated action from the Nigerian government, development partners, and the international community to scale up nutrition interventions. Without urgent investment in child health, education, and food systems, the consequences could be catastrophic. These consequences will not only be felt by the affected children, but it will also affect the country’s long term development.
The United Nations’ Intervention
The UN’s involvement in northeastern Nigeria’s humanitarian crisis has been ongoing for over a decade. However, the recent escalation in food insecurity prompted a renewed and more substantial intervention. In January 2025, the UN appealed for $910 million to address the critical humanitarian needs of 3.6 million people in the region.
Additionally, the UN’s response is driven by the urgent need to provide food assistance, healthcare, and protection services to the affected populations. The organization has been instrumental in coordinating aid efforts, providing technical support, and mobilizing resources to alleviate the suffering of millions.
Furthermore, the United Nations Children’s Fund, on Monday, said Nigeria has beaten the war-torn Sudan to emerge as the capital of malnourished children on the African continent, and the second highest in the world. This statement underscores a deeply troubling reality about the state of child nutrition in Nigeria, revealing that, despite being Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest economies, Nigeria is now at the forefront of a severe humanitarian crisis affecting its youngest and most vulnerable citizens. The comparison to Sudan, a country long affected by internal conflict and humanitarian disasters, further emphasizes the gravity of the situation in Nigeria, where millions of children are suffering from chronic malnutrition.
The declaration by UNICEF points to a worsening trend in food insecurity, poverty, healthcare access, and inadequate social services across many parts of the country. Malnutrition in children not only stunts physical growth but also leads to long-term cognitive impairments, increased susceptibility to diseases, and, in severe cases, death. That Nigeria now ranks as the number one in Africa and second globally, trailing only behind India in child malnutrition, should be a call to urgent action for the government, international partners, and stakeholders to address the root causes of this crisis and ensure better outcomes for future generations.
Collaborative Efforts and Funding
The response plan is a collaborative endeavor involving various UN agencies, including UNICEF, the WFP, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), alongside national and local government entities. The Nigerian government has committed to mobilizing resources and coordinating efforts to ensure the effective implementation of the plan.
Objectives of the $159 Million Plan
- Provision of Emergency Food Assistance: Delivering immediate food aid to 2.8 million individuals to alleviate hunger and prevent further deterioration of nutritional status.
- Nutrition Interventions: Implementing programs to treat and prevent malnutrition, particularly among children and pregnant or breastfeeding women, who are the most vulnerable groups.
- Healthcare Services: Enhancing access to essential health services, including the treatment of common illnesses exacerbated by malnutrition and poor living conditions.
- Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases that can further compromise health.
- Protection and Psychosocial Support: Providing services to safeguard vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), women, and children, from exploitation and abuse.
Federal Government’s Prior Actions
Before the UN’s recent appeal, the FGN had taken several steps to address the crisis. These included:
- Humanitarian Assistance: The Nigerian government, through agencies like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has provided food aid, shelter, and medical supplies to displaced persons.
- Economic Measures: Efforts were made to stabilize the economy, though some measures, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and adjustments to foreign exchange policies, have faced criticism for potentially worsening the economic situation.
- Security Operations: The military has conducted operations aimed at reclaiming territories from insurgent groups, though challenges persist in ensuring the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers.
Community Engagement and Local Initiatives
A notable aspect of the response plan is the emphasis on community engagement and local ownership. In Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, women-led groups have been instrumental in combating malnutrition. These groups, supported by UNICEF and other partners, conduct community-based screening for malnutrition, provide nutritional education, and distribute therapeutic food to affected children.
Such grassroots initiatives are crucial in reaching remote and underserved populations, ensuring that interventions are culturally appropriate and widely accepted. The involvement of local communities not only enhances the effectiveness of the response but also fosters resilience and self-reliance among affected populations.
Coping Strategies of Affected Families
For the average Nigerian youth and family in the northeast, daily survival amid the food crisis is a constant struggle. Many families have resorted to selling off assets, such as livestock or household items, to afford basic necessities. Children are often sent to the streets to hawk goods, while others are withdrawn from school due to the inability to pay fees.
Community support networks play a crucial role. Women-led groups, such as Alhari in Borno State, have been trained to monitor and address malnutrition through community-based screening and education. These grassroots initiatives are vital in mitigating the effects of the crisis at the local level.
The Way Forward
The $159 million multisectoral response plan is a significant step toward alleviating the food insecurity in northeastern Nigeria. However, it is imperative that this initiative is part of a broader, long-term strategy that includes:
- Enhanced Security: Ensuring the safety of farmers and humanitarian workers to facilitate agricultural activities and aid distribution.
- Infrastructure Development: Rebuilding damaged infrastructure, such as roads and irrigation systems, to support food production and distribution.
- Economic Support: Providing financial assistance and livelihood programs to help families rebuild and sustain their means of income.
- Climate Adaptation: Implementing measures to mitigate the effects of climate change, such as promoting drought-resistant crops and improving water management.
The launch of the $159 million multisectoral response plan represents a significant step toward addressing the food security and nutrition crisis in northeastern Nigeria. However, the success of this initiative hinges on sustained commitment, adequate funding, and the active participation of all stakeholders, including the affected communities themselves.
While the collaboration between the FGN and the UN represents a concerted effort to address the food crisis in northeastern Nigeria, sustained commitment and comprehensive strategies are essential to ensure lasting solutions and the resilience of affected communities.
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Tags: #Development #Intervention #Alleviation
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