UN To Feed Millions Of Nigerians Amid Escalating Hunger Crisis

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced on Tuesday that it is enhancing its food and nutrition assistance efforts to aid Nigeria and seven other countries in West and Central Africa.

 The initiative aims to support 7.3 million people during the June-August lean season, when food shortages and hunger reach their peak. 

Beneficiaries include Nigeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

The WFP noted that if adequate funding becomes available, the programme could expand to assist up to 12 million people.

 Currently, nearly 55 million people in the region are expected to face acute hunger during this period, a significant increase from the 12.6 million in 2019.

 Additionally, approximately 17 million children under five are estimated to be acutely malnourished.

WFP Regional Director for Western Africa, Chris Nikoi, stated the urgency of addressing the severe hunger crisis, speaking on the need for transformative solutions to help vulnerable families meet their immediate food needs and build a sustainable future.