31 Million Nigerians Facing Acute Hunger Amid Donor Shortfall

By Okafor Joseph | Abuja | July 26, 2025

The United Nations has raised alarm over Nigeria’s worsening hunger crisis, revealing that an estimated 31 million people across the country are facing acute food insecurity.

The World Food Programme (WFP) stated that less than a quarter of its $130 million appeal has been met. As a result, it may be forced to suspend food and nutritional support to over 1.3 million vulnerable individuals, particularly in the northeast where conflict and displacement have devastated local economies.

“In northeast Nigeria, we’re seeing malnutrition reach catastrophic levels. Without urgent funding, the gains we’ve made over the years risk being reversed,” a WFP spokesperson said.

In addition to violent extremism and climate-induced displacements, inflation and poor harvests have further strained food supplies. The lack of funds is also affecting logistics, healthcare outreach, and essential feeding programs.

The WFP is now calling on international donors and the Nigerian government to scale up emergency response before the crisis escalates further.