Nigeria endures unprecedented hunger crisis as aid cuts loom

Nigeria is currently grappling with an unprecedented hunger crisis, where nearly 31 million people are experiencing acute food insecurity. This dire situation has arisen as families face depleted food stocks, soaring food prices, and severe inflation, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in various regions. Margot van der Velden, the regional head of the U.N. food agency, has emphasized that the need for humanitarian assistance is critical as funding cuts have severely impacted relief efforts. The alarming situation in Nigeria mirrors a broader crisis sweeping across west and central Africa, where rising needs are paired with shrinking resources. The funding challenges for humanitarian operations in Nigeria are particularly troubling. Since the beginning of August, the World Food Program (WFP) has started to experience substantial cuts in funding, which has raised concerns about the sustainability of operations in the country. Currently, WFP's appeal of over $130 million is only 21% funded, signaling a significant gap in financial support. The growing uncertainty is expected to lead to the suspension of humanitarian aid, which would impact over 1.3 million people, closing 150 nutrition clinics in Borno state and putting 300,000 children at risk of severe malnutrition. These cuts are not isolated to Nigeria; other countries in the region are facing similar funding shortages. Landlocked countries such as Mali, Mauritania, and Niger report dramatic reductions in aid, with cuts of over 80% in emergency support for certain areas. The U.N. agency warns that without food aid, hunger will deepen, communities may fracture, and the risk of instability in the region will increase, further complicating ongoing efforts for peace and resilience. In addition to the immediate humanitarian concerns, the overall political climate and funding dynamics for international aid play a crucial role in the crisis. The recent slashing of foreign assistance by the Trump administration and other Western donors has raised alarms among experts and humanitarian organizations. The decrease in support for the U.S. Agency for International Development has significantly affected the delivery of essential services in a region that has long struggled with food insecurity and conflict. The situation continues to worsen, and urgent action is required to address the needs of vulnerable populations across Nigeria and the wider region.