Lagos Jan 2 springnewsng

₦500 Billion Agricultural Intervention Falls Short as 25 Million Nigerians Face Acute Hunger Nigeria’s Food Imports Rise by 18% in 2024, Widening Trade Deficit Amid Local Production Gaps Unemployment Hits 33% in Nigeria: Economic Instability Worsens Hunger Crisis Global Aid Cuts Threaten Nigeria’s Economy: $625 Million Humanitarian Gap Leaves Millions at Risk As Nigeria grapples with the harsh realities of a hunger crisis, the nation’s challenges mirror the global humanitarian landscape—a growing number of people in need met with dwindling international aid. With over 25 million Nigerians projected to face acute food insecurity in 2025, the consequences of shrinking global support could be catastrophic. This crisis is exacerbated by rising conflict, economic pressures, and political shifts, including potential changes under a renewed Trump presidency in the United States. A Dire Equation for Nigeria According to the United Nations, global humanitarian funding continues to fall short. In 2024, the UN raised only 46% of its $49.6 billion target for humanitarian aid, marking the second consecutive year of such a deficit. For Nigeria, this shortfall translates to reduced rations, fewer beneficiaries, and a grim outlook for millions. The UN estimates that globally, at least 117 million people will go without food or aid in 2025 due to these funding gaps. The World Food Programme (WFP), one of Nigeria’s key food relief partners, has already scaled back its operations globally. In Syria, for example, WFP reduced its beneficiaries from 6 million to 1 million. Similar cuts in Nigeria would further strain communities already battling hunger in conflict-affected regions such as Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. Trump’s Presidency and Humanitarian Aid The reelection of Donald Trump brings uncertainty to global aid programs. During his first term, Trump sought to significantly cut foreign aid, a move that Congress blocked. Now, with new appointees and a stronghold in U.S. government spending, Trump could revisit these cuts. The United States has been Nigeria’s leading donor, contributing $64.5 billion in humanitarian aid globally over the past five years, or about 38% of all UN-tracked contributions. Any reduction in U.S. aid would deeply impact Nigeria’s efforts to combat hunger. Trump’s Project 2025, a policy blueprint, suggests stricter conditions for aid, focusing on funding transparency and reducing programs in regions controlled by “malign actors.” This could affect Nigeria’s northeastern states, where insurgent groups have complicated aid distribution. A Growing Divide Among Donors Globally, the burden of humanitarian funding rests heavily on three major donors: the U.S., Germany, and the European Commission, which collectively contributed 58% of $170 billion in global aid between 2020 and 2024. However, rising domestic pressures in donor countries are shifting priorities. Germany, for instance, cut its humanitarian budget by $500 million in 2024 and plans to reduce it further in 2025. Meanwhile, contributions from other major economies remain negligible. China, the world’s second-largest economy, provided just $11.5 million in humanitarian aid in 2023, ranking 32nd globally. India, with its burgeoning economy, contributed only $6.4 million, ranking 35th. This disparity underscores the growing frustration among aid agencies over the lack of global burden-sharing. Hunger’s Toll on Nigeria In 2023, nearly 4.4 million Nigerians faced crisis levels of food insecurity, driven by conflict, climate change, and economic challenges. By 2025, this number is expected to swell as funding gaps widen. In many communities, aid delays and restrictions exacerbate hunger. Research shows that malnutrition in children leads to stunted growth and reduced cognitive abilities—effects that will ripple across generations. Projections for Nigeria Nigeria’s economic landscape in 2024 and 2025 is characterized by modest growth projections and significant inflationary pressures. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts a real GDP growth of 2.9% for 2024, with a slight increase to 3.2% in 2025. Concurrently, consumer prices are expected to rise sharply, with an anticipated inflation rate of 32.5% in 2024. In Nigeria, humanitarian organizations face logistical hurdles, corruption risks, and the challenges of operating in conflict zones. For example, reports of aid diversion in Ethiopia and Sudan highlight the critical need for better oversight in global food distribution. Rethinking Humanitarian Aid As Nigeria confronts its hunger crisis, the UN is advocating for a revamped funding model. Current systems rely on voluntary contributions, which often come with restrictive conditions and branding requirements. A proposed mandatory funding system for UN member states could provide more consistent support, but wealthy nations have resisted these changes. For Nigeria, the stakes are high. The country cannot solely depend on international aid but must also invest in local agricultural development and conflict resolution. Diversifying its donor base and strengthening regional partnerships will be crucial in addressing the hunger crisis. A Call for Collective Action Nigeria’s hunger crisis is a microcosm of a global problem. The lack of adequate funding, coupled with political shifts and donor fatigue, threatens millions of lives. As global powers debate aid policies, the voices of the vulnerable must remain central. With a coordinated effort between local and international stakeholders, there is hope for a future where hunger no longer defines Nigeria’s story.

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