Warning of hunger crisis in Nigeria, following U.S funding cuts

Aid organisations and the World Food Programme (WFP) on October 21, are raising an alarm about Nigeria’s hunger crisis.

According to Africa News plus agencies, In the north of the country, people are fleeing the country due to terrorist attacks, and over 600,000 children are at risk of dying.

In recent years, emergency aid has been declining. Last year, the WFP closed around 150 clinics where children were treated for malnutrition.

In September 2025, the U.S. announced a relief package worth $3.2 million for Nigeria. The U.S. mission to Nigeria released a statement on September 3 expressing that the funding would provide food assistance and nutritional support.

Despite Nigeria receiving funding provided by the United States, President Trump recently announced the dismantling of USAID, which has caused a sudden decline in foreign aid.

Food distribution is not the only crisis; since the end of USAID, the country has also lost $600 million in health funding, which is about a fifth of its total budget.

Margot van der Velden, the WFP regional director for West Africa warned in July that more than 1.3 million people were at risk of going without food.

Velden also cautioned that 150 nutrition centres in Borno state will have to close due to a lack of funding and resources.

Food distribution is at risk as the refugees’ camp in Bama, Borno state; only the most vulnerable are being helped at the moment.

Nigeria has also become one of the deadliest places to give birth, with women facing some of the highest risks in the world.

The terrorist attacks and Boko Haram violence are causing a collapse in the health systems, humanitarian support and lack of security, leaving expectant mothers with restricted access to crucial medical care.

Boko Haram, active since 2009, has killed thousands and displaced over two million Nigerians.

The consequences of the loss of U.S. support are becoming increasingly apparent. In Nigeria, the UN agency is short of more than $115 million to continue its work.

Africa News Plus Agencies, Maghrebi.org