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By Newz.africa News Desk| Humanitarian Affairs Desk | Nigeria| Updated 22 January 2026, 19:35 GMT+2 |Nigeria hunger funding shortages
More than one million people in northeastern Nigeria are at risk. They may lose access to emergency food and nutrition support within weeks. International funding for humanitarian programmes is running out. The United Nations World Food Programme has issued this warning.
The agency said it will be forced to drastically cut food assistance in February. They will reach just 72,000 people. This is down from the 1.3 million supported during the 2025 lean season. Unless new funding is secured, large areas of the conflict-hit northeast will be left without critical food aid. [wfp.org]
Nigeria hunger crisis escalates amid funding shortages
The warning comes as Nigeria faces its most severe hunger outlook in recent years.
According to WFP projections, nearly 35 million people across the country are expected to experience acute food insecurity. This is anticipated during the 2026 lean season. This would represent the highest number ever recorded by the agency in Nigeria. [newsday.com]
In Borno State, at least 15,000 people already face catastrophic hunger. They are one step away from famine under international food security classifications.
WFP Nigeria Country Director David Stevenson said the loss of food assistance at this stage would have significant humanitarian consequences. It would also affect security.
“This will lead to catastrophic outcomes for the most vulnerable people. They have been forced to flee their homes in search of food and shelter,” Stevenson said. [AP News]
Conflict and displacement worsen Nigeria food insecurity
Sustained insecurity in northern Nigeria is driving the food crisis. Violence has displaced millions and disrupted agricultural activity.
United Nations officials estimate that more than 3.5 million people have been displaced in recent months, with most of them located in the north. Many farmers have been unable to plant or harvest crops. Persistent attacks by armed groups have hindered their efforts. Food stocks have been either destroyed or abandoned. [Reuters]
Malnutrition rates in several northern states have deteriorated sharply. They have shifted from “serious” to “critical” levels. This follows earlier funding cuts that forced the suspension of nutrition programmes. These programmes affect over 300,000 children. [telegraph.ng]
Global aid cuts deepen Nigeria’s hunger emergency
Humanitarian agencies say Nigeria’s situation has been compounded by broader reductions in international aid.
The WFP has been hit by a collapse in global humanitarian budgets. This includes cuts that have affected operations across West and Central Africa. Nigeria is among the countries most exposed, as demand for food assistance continues to rise while available resources shrink. [news.un.org]
The UN has warned that urgent financial support is needed. Humanitarian organisations will be forced to prioritise only the most life-saving interventions. This will leave millions without assistance.
The WFP says it urgently needs at least $129 million over the next six months. This is required to sustain operations in northeastern Nigeria alone.
Risks to stability and recovery in northern Nigeria
Aid agencies caution that cutting food assistance could worsen displacement and instability across the region.
The WFP warned that families left without support may be forced to leave displacement camps. They will search for survival, potentially migrating to other parts of Nigeria or neighbouring countries. Furthermore, they may become vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups.
Nigeria has received food assistance from the WFP since 2015. This aid reaches nearly two million people annually in areas affected by conflict. The agency combines emergency food relief with programmes aimed at supporting local markets. It focuses on building resilience. However, the agency says these efforts are now under threat.
Updates
- 22 January 2026: Figures updated following latest WFP funding appeal.
Original reporting
What was confirmed
- Over one million people in northeastern Nigeria risk losing food and nutrition assistance within weeks.
- WFP assistance will drop to 72,000 people in February due to funding shortages.
Who was cited
- World Food Programme
- UN humanitarian officials
Documents reviewed
- WFP funding appeal and Nigeria situation updates.
- Cadre Harmonisé food security analysis.
Primary artefact
- WFP press release issued 22 January 2026.
Outreach log
- WFP Nigeria statements reviewed. No additional comment received at publication.
Source:
[wfp.org] |[newsday.com] | [AP News] |[news.un.org] |[Reuters] | [telegraph.ng]
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