Nigeria humanitarian crisis worsens as UN and FG warn 31 million face food insecurity due to collapsing aid financing

Nigeria humanitarian crisis is worsening as the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Nations raised alarm on Tuesday, warning that over 31 million people are now food insecure due to collapsing global aid financing.

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In a joint communiqué to mark World Humanitarian Day 2025, both parties described the situation as an unfolding disaster that requires urgent national and international action.

“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.

The communiqué painted a grim picture. Some 31 million Nigerians are food insecure, with more than 10 million children under five acutely malnourished.

Among them, 3.5 million are severely malnourished, and 400,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition face a life-or-death situation without immediate intervention.

Pipelines for food and nutrition supplies have been disrupted, leaving millions, especially children, at risk. “Food insecurity and malnutrition are an unfolding disaster,” the UN and FG stressed.

Both the Federal Government and the UN honoured fallen humanitarian workers who lost their lives in conflict zones.

They urged for stronger protection of aid workers, civilians, and particularly women and girls, who remain the most vulnerable in times of crisis.

“Attacks on humanitarian workers and the people they seek to assist must stop,” the communiqué emphasized, calling for adherence to international humanitarian law.

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs pledged increased government funding and stronger accountability mechanisms.

Nigeria also urged international partners to close the funding gap and help provide urgent food and nutrition support.

The statement also emphasized a shift towards locally led humanitarian operations, ensuring sustainability and community-driven responses.

“Recognising the urgent need to act fast to save lives, the Government of Nigeria will increase funding and mobilise additional resources to end the suffering of millions,” the ministry stated.

The Nigeria humanitarian crisis highlights the devastating human cost of collapsing aid financing.

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With millions of lives, especially children, hanging in the balance, the Federal Government and the UN called for urgent solidarity to prevent further tragedy.