Record Hunger in Northern Nigeria: Conflict and Funding Cuts Fuel Crisis

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned on 2 July that over 17 million people in nine states face crisis, emergency or catastrophic hunger. An Islamist insurgency that has plagued Nigeria’s northeast since 2009 has spread to the northwest, where bandit gangs displace farmers and restrict aid. Funding cuts have forced WFP to cut assistance, leaving millions without food.

Expanding Conflict Drives Record Hunger in Northern Nigeria: WFP

WFP’s Cadre Harmonisé shows over 17 million people in northern Nigeria facing severe food insecurity, including more than 3 million acutely insecure in Borno state—750 000 in severe hunger and over 10 000 in catastrophic hunger. Nationwide, food-insecure population has risen to 36.2 million. In three northeast states, 6.2 million need aid, but WFP can support only 740 000, leaving 5.5 million without assistance. WFP needs USD 89 million for six months.

Conflict and shrinking humanitarian assistance drives northern Nigeria hunger crisis to levels not seen in nearly a decade

Food shortages drive displacement, exploitation and gender-based harm, especially for women and children. WFP notes some community members join armed groups for food or income. In Gubio IDP camp, Maiduguri, Zainab Abubakar shared cooked food with her children, highlighting precarious nutrition of displaced families.

The Straits Times

WFP officials said the conflict is “expanding across a much wider area, forcing people from farmland, driving displacement and restricting humanitarian access.” The agency cited extreme funding shortfalls, a doubling of partially inaccessible locations, and urged donors to meet USD 89 million requirement. Observers criticize donor cuts, saying reductions under the Trump administration and Tinubu’s policies have left poorest households without support. Suspension of food aid in camps has been linked to a surge in exploitation and gender-based violence, and critics warn that shrinking WFP operations undermine protection for vulnerable populations.

Conflict and shrinking humanitarian assistance drives northern Nigeria hunger crisis to levels not seen in nearly a decade

Sources report 17 million food-insecure people in conflict-affected northern states, while a separate Cadre Harmonisé cites 36.2 million nationwide. Catastrophic hunger estimates range from “over 10 000” to “more than 10 000.” Access constraints in many hotspots limit verification.

Conflict and shrinking humanitarian assistance drives northern Nigeria hunger crisis to levels not seen in nearly a decade

• “When people lose access to food, the risks of displacement, exploitation and instability increase.” — Kinday Samba, WFP

Conflict and shrinking humanitarian assistance drives northern Nigeria hunger crisis to levels not seen in nearly a decade

• “What concerns us most is how this crisis is expanding.” — Kinday Samba, WFP

Conflict and shrinking humanitarian assistance drives northern Nigeria hunger crisis to levels not seen in nearly a decade

• “The number of inaccessible locations has doubled: a further 15 areas are now considered partially inaccessible for WFP’s frontline staff.” — WFP spokesperson

Conflict and shrinking humanitarian assistance drives northern Nigeria hunger crisis to levels not seen in nearly a decade

• “WFP requires USD 89 million over the next six months to continue food and nutrition assistance, and essential logistics support across northern Nigeria.” — WFP spokesperson

The Straits Times

WFP’s appeal for USD 89 million aims to sustain food distribution, nutrition programmes and logistics before the next harvest. Without the funds, the agency foresees a further rise in displacement and instability, pushing hunger beyond the decade-high. Continued donor engagement and improved security access are essential to avert a humanitarian catastrophe.

Conflict and shrinking humanitarian assistance drives northern Nigeria hunger crisis to levels not seen in nearly a decade