News in brief:
– AfDB provides $1 million in emergency food aid to support 120,000 flood-affected people in Borno as food insecurity worsens in Nigeria.
– WFP is expected to oversee the distribution as it stresses the importance of aid to people in the region who are struggling to feed themselves.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has provided $1 million in emergency food aid to communities in northeastern Nigeria affected by the devastating floods that struck Borno State in September 2024. The assistance comes at a crucial time as food insecurity worsens due to conflict, displacement, and economic hardship.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) will manage the distribution, ensuring 120,000 people receive essential food items. Each household will get 35kg of staple foods to help them cope with the crisis.
In a statement, David Stevenson, WFP’s Country Director in Nigeria, emphasised the importance of this intervention.
“The African Development Bank’s support is timely and comes as a lifeline for those struggling to feed themselves amidst rising food prices and economic turmoil,” Stevenson said.
The floods have worsened an already dire situation in Borno, where millions have been displaced by years of insurgency. The latest Cadre Harmonisé food security analysis projects that 33 million Nigerians could face food insecurity by August 2025.
Abdul Kamara, AfDB’s Director General in Nigeria, expressed hope that the funding would alleviate suffering, commending the Nigerian government and WFP for their commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.
This contribution aligns with the development institution’s broader efforts to strengthen agricultural resilience and livelihood programs in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states, ensuring long-term food security and recovery for affected populations.
Recall that the Borno State government has also announced a two-year tax waiver for traders affected by the 2024 flood and the 2023 Maiduguri Monday Market fire. In addition, to prevent reoccurrence of the calamity, the federal government has commenced a ₦80 billion reconstruction project of the Alau Dam to improve irrigation, flood control, and water supply for farmers.
