Nigeria, with the UN's support, seeks $306 million to address severe food insecurity and malnutrition in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. The appeal aims to provide food, clean water, healthcare, and protection to 2.8 million people facing critical needs due to conflict, economic challenges, and climate impacts.
Nigeria, with the UN's support, seeks $306 million to address severe food insecurity and malnutrition in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. The appeal aims to provide food, clean water, healthcare, and protection to 2.8 million people facing critical needs due to conflict, economic challenges, and climate impacts.
As Nigeria faces a severe food security and nutrition crisis in its northeastern states, the Nigerian government and international partners have launched an urgent appeal for $306 million to address the critical needs of millions. This appeal, named the lean season food security and nutrition crisis multisector plan, targets 2.8 million people in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states, where 4.8 million individuals are grappling with severe food insecurity – the highest in seven years.
The crisis has been exacerbated by ongoing conflict, climate change, and economic challenges, including soaring food prices driven by the removal of fuel subsidies and the depreciation of the naira. Staples like beans and maize have seen price hikes of 300 to 400 percent, making them unaffordable for many families. Malnutrition is a pressing concern, with around 700,000 children under five projected to be acutely malnourished over the next six months, including 230,000 at risk of death without timely intervention.
Zubaida Umar, Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, emphasized the importance of mobilizing resources to prevent deaths from malnutrition and other health issues. Mohamed Malick Fall, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, announced an $11 million release from the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund to initiate the emergency response, calling for additional resources to meet the increased needs.
UNICEF's Acting Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Rownak Khan, highlighted the alarming rise in severe acute malnutrition among children, stressing the need for immediate action. The FAO and WFP underscored the necessity of building resilience through agricultural support and improving access to nutritious foods.
However, the appeal has drawn mixed reactions from the public. One person commented, "Poverty amid abundance and wealth. Nigeria has no reason to be poor." Another criticized the situation, saying, "Tinubu turned Nigeria into a beggar nation in one year despite her rich heritage."
A third expressed disbelief, "Imagine portraying your country as this because you want to collect a grant??" Another noted, "They stole the election from the one that wants to take us from consumption to production and are going around the world begging for food. Shameless people supported by people with dark hearts." One questioned, "Has it got to the level of begging for food?"
These reactions highlight the public's frustration and the complex challenges Nigeria faces.
