Hunger in Nigeria
Decades of armed conflict continue to contribute to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Nigeria. Food security remains one of the most urgent humanitarian needs for displaced persons and those returning home.
It is estimated that more than 20 million people in Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia are affected by the current crisis. The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement have been on the ground in these countries for years. We have witnessed the massive suffering.
In South Sudan, it is estimated that one in three households is in urgent need of food. In Nigeria's Borno state, 300,000 children are expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition over the coming year.
Long-term conflict is the common factor linking the hunger crises in Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia and Nigeria; the emergency is man-made. In the horn of Africa, drought is also a central cause, with mass livestock deaths in Somalia devastating entire communities.
Hope exists: There is still time to avert famine, but speed is essential and substantial financial resources are needed.
Humanitarian funding is a tiny fraction of government budgets, and yet absolutely essential to keeping millions of people alive in conflict hotspots.
The ICRC continues to significantly scale up its humanitarian response in Nigeria. We provide food and essential household items to the people most in need of assistance.
