In a renewed effort to address the deepening hunger crisis and rising malnutrition in Nigeria’s conflict-ravaged Northeast, the Federal Government in partnership with the United Nations has unveiled a $159 million lean season food security and nutrition response plan targeting over two million vulnerable individuals in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states.
The comprehensive multisectoral initiative was launched on Tuesday in Abuja by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda. It is aimed at curbing an impending humanitarian catastrophe during the 2025 lean season, projected to affect an estimated 4.6 million people in the region.
According to the Minister, the response plan covers immediate interventions in food security, health, nutrition, water and sanitation, agricultural livelihoods, and protection services. “The Plan seeks $159 million for urgent life-saving assistance to 2 million people in the most severe need in the BAY states over the next six months,” he said.
The figures paint a dire picture: over 1 million children are at risk of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in the BAY states this year—more than double the 2024 figure. Of this number, 600,000 children may suffer SAM within the next six months, a timeframe the government warns is critical to avert widespread mortality.
“Behind every data point is a mother skipping meals for her child, a farmer whose land is barren, and a child already suffering cognitive delay due to hunger,” Yilwatda noted during his speech. “This is not just a humanitarian issue—it’s a moral one. It’s a test of our resolve under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The Minister reiterated the federal government’s commitment to lead a coordinated response that aligns with national policies and ensures that no community is left behind. He also emphasized the need for global solidarity to bolster local efforts, particularly in light of dwindling humanitarian resources and worsening climate-related challenges.
Speaking at the event, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, warned that the window to act is narrowing. He described the BAY region’s situation as “an emergency within a protracted crisis,” highlighting that nearly 70% of health services and 50% of nutrition services in the region are either non-functional or severely compromised.
“Humanitarianism is under threat, and solidarity is running low,” Fall said. “Millions of children, especially under the age of five and pregnant women, are at immediate risk. Early action is the only way to prevent irreversible harm.”
The lean season—usually from June to August—is the period between planting and harvest when food stocks are typically low. For already vulnerable populations in conflict zones, it often signals heightened risk of starvation, disease outbreaks, and displacement.
The $159 million response plan is structured not only to deliver emergency assistance but also to build long-term resilience. It incorporates sustainable livelihood support, locally-led recovery initiatives, and community-based nutrition programs. Stakeholders are optimistic that the holistic approach can break the cycle of hunger and dependency, especially if donor support is sustained.
“We are integrating emergency food distribution with agricultural support, nutrition with clean water, and protection with empowerment,” said Yilwatda. “No single sector can solve hunger. Only collective action can bring sustainable change.”
The UN and Nigerian authorities are urging development partners, humanitarian agencies, and the private sector to support the funding appeal and ensure timely delivery of services to the most affected.
As the lean season looms, both the federal government and international partners are racing against time to roll out the initiative across local government areas most impacted by Boko Haram insurgency, displacement, and poor access to basic services.
Communities in the BAY states, especially internally displaced persons (IDPs) in camps and host communities, remain among the most vulnerable. Without immediate intervention, experts warn that the region could witness one of the worst nutrition crises in recent history.
The $159 million plan represents more than financial investment—it is a lifeline, a promise to protect the dignity and future of millions caught in the crossfire of conflict and poverty.