News in Brief:
– A $306 million UN-backed appeal aims to address the worsening food and nutrition crisis in Nigeria’s northeastern states.
– The plan prioritises immediate food assistance, healthcare, and clean water access, while emphasising long-term solutions like agricultural support and peacebuilding efforts.
The Nigerian government and the United Nations (UN), alongside other international partners, have launched a joint appeal for $306 million to tackle a worsening food and nutrition crisis in Nigeria’s northeastern states.
The crisis is particularly severe in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states, where an estimated 4.8 million people face severe food insecurity – the highest level in seven years. This vulnerability is further exacerbated by soaring food prices, ongoing conflict, and climate change impacts.
Essentially, the plan, dubbed the lean season food security and nutrition crisis multisector plan, prioritises immediate interventions for 2.8 million people in dire need. Key areas of focus include; food assistance, nutrition support, clean water and sanitation.
Additionally, other areas of focus include provision of healthcare, and protection support for vulnerable groups.
Furthermore, according to the Director General of Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Authority, (NEMA) Zubaida Umar, the appeal is especially important as it will help to complement government’s efforts in that regard.
Speaking in the same vein, the United Nation’s Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohammed Malick Fall, stated that resources were needed urgently to address these increased needs.
However, while immediate action is crucial, the plan also emphasises the need for long-term solutions like supporting agricultural livelihoods, sustaining peacebuilding efforts, provision of social protection services, as well as climate change mitigation.
