Nigeria food insecurity crisis intensifies as over 31 million face hunger and malnutrition. UN and FG call for urgent funding to avert disaster

Nigeria food insecurity crisis deepens as the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Nations raise alarm over the worsening humanitarian situation affecting millions across the country.

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In a joint communiqué released in Abuja on Tuesday to mark World Humanitarian Day 2025, both parties described the Nigeria food insecurity crisis as an “unfolding disaster”, warning that over 31 million people are now food insecure, with millions of children suffering from acute malnutrition.

“This year’s World Humanitarian Day comes at a time when global solidarity with people in humanitarian need is at its lowest ebb. International humanitarian financing is collapsing,” the statement noted.

According to the report, over 10 million children under the age of five are acutely malnourished, and 3.5 million are severely affected—with 2.5 million of them in six high-risk states.

The UN and FG stressed that 400,000 children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) are at risk of death without immediate intervention.

Key highlights of the Nigeria food insecurity crisis

• 31 million people face food insecurity
• 3.5 million children severely malnourished
• 400,000 SAM cases at risk of death
• Humanitarian aid financing in collapse
• Urgent appeal for international support and funding

The statement also commemorated humanitarian workers who lost their lives while delivering aid in conflict zones and called for greater protection of civilians and aid personnel, especially women and girls, who are among the most vulnerable.

“Attacks on humanitarian workers and, more importantly, the people they seek to assist, must stop,” the communiqué said.

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction pledged to boost government funding, institute transparency frameworks, and work toward locally led aid operations that are sustainable and community-driven.

“We urge all stakeholders to support us with additional funding and resources for food and nutritional support,” the FG stated.

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In line with a long-term vision, both parties also committed to a transition from internationally-driven efforts to locally led and resourced humanitarian systems in Nigeria, while ensuring that partners continue to operate in accordance with humanitarian principles.