UN Seeks $516m to Tackle Nigeria’s Deepening Humanitarian Crisis

UN Seeks $516m to Tackle Nigeria’s Deepening Humanitarian Crisis

The United Nations (UN) has launched an urgent appeal for $516 million to address Nigeria’s growing humanitarian needs, warning that millions of people face worsening hunger, displacement and lack of basic services amid insecurity, climate shocks and funding shortfalls.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the appeal—launched in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria and humanitarian partners—aims to provide lifesaving assistance to about 2.5 million people in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states in 2026. The support will focus on food aid, nutrition, healthcare, clean water, sanitation, protection services and emergency shelter.

The UN warns that Nigeria is facing one of its worst humanitarian situations in years, with estimates showing that up to 35 million Nigerians could experience acute food insecurity this year if urgent action is not taken. Prolonged insurgency in the North-East, banditry in other northern regions, flooding, rising food prices and economic pressures have continued to push vulnerable communities deeper into crisis.

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Humanitarian agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP), have cautioned that severe funding gaps are already forcing cuts to food and nutrition assistance in parts of northern Nigeria. WFP has indicated that without fresh funding, over one million people in conflict-affected areas could lose access to emergency food support in the coming months.

The crisis is also having a devastating impact on children. UNICEF reports that hundreds of thousands of children are at risk of acute malnutrition, while millions lack access to essential health, education and protection services due to displacement and overstretched facilities.

In response to the widening needs, international partners are stepping in. The European Union (EU) recently announced a €557 million humanitarian aid package for Africa in 2026, with Nigeria listed among beneficiary countries. However, aid agencies stress that global humanitarian funding is shrinking at a time when needs are rapidly increasing.

OCHA emphasised that the $516 million appeal represents a minimum requirement, noting that without stronger donor support and sustained government engagement, humanitarian conditions—particularly in the North-East—could deteriorate further, threatening lives and regional stability.

UN Seeks $516m to Tackle Nigeria’s Deepening Humanitarian Crisis