UN seeks $910M for humanitarian aid in Northeast Nigeria

The United Nations is set to request $910 million this week to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in northeastern Nigeria, where over a decade-long Islamist insurgency and last year’s devastating floods have left millions in urgent need of aid, according to UN documents reviewed by Reuters.

The appeal aims to support 3.6 million people out of the 7.8 million in need across the states of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe. The $910 million request represents the largest humanitarian appeal in West and Central Africa, surpassing crises in Chad, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

Adding to the crisis, Nigeria faces soaring inflation—the highest in nearly 30 years—driven by surging food prices. This economic strain compounds what the UN has described as a “forgotten crisis,” overshadowed by global focus on conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan.

A joint report released in November by the Nigerian government and the UN warns of worsening food insecurity, with over 30 million people projected to experience hunger in 2025.

President Bola Tinubu’s recent economic reforms, including the removal of a fuel subsidy and foreign exchange controls, have exacerbated financial hardships for many Nigerians. However, Tinubu argues the measures are necessary for long-term economic stability and growth.

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