Nigeria

Sixteen years of armed conflict, devastating flooding, disease outbreaks, the lack of access to basic services and poverty are making millions of Nigerians profoundly vulnerable. 

Severe food insecurity and malnutrition are endemic.  Nearly 35 million Nigerians are likely to face acute food insecurity during the 2026 lean season (period between harvests) - 5.8 million of them in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states in the northeast.

Malnutrition is a devastating challenge nationwide. In northeastern Nigeria, the malnutrition crisis is particularly acute, where it is estimated that at least 75 children face death every single day if they do not receive urgent therapeutic care. 

Non-state armed groups have increased attacks on the military but are also increasingly targeting civilians. Civilians across the BAY states continue to face a protection crisis marked by abductions, gender-based violence, forced recruitment, extortion, widespread exposure to improvised explosive devices, and other grave violations.

 In 2026, about 3 million children under five in Nigeria are projected to suffer from life-threatening severe acute malnutrition —1 million of these children are in the BAY States.

The Government of Nigeria and humanitarian partners are urgently appealing for US$516 million to respond to the most critical needs of 2.5 million people in the BAY states in north-east Nigeria. Women and children make up 8 out of every 10 people in immediate need. The response will focus on providing lifesaving food, nutrition, healthcare, water, sanitation, and services to protect people.