Over 4.7mn north-eastern Nigerians face food insecurity

The prolonged humanitarian crisis in northeastern Nigeria has had a devastating impact on food security in the region, with up to 4.7 million people facing food insecurity, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). The number is expected to climb to 5.2 million between June and August this year. Mutinta Shimukashisehead, Head of the Maiduguri office of the United Nations World Food Programme, emphasized the severity of the situation and the efforts being made to address the crisis. The WFP, in collaboration with partners, has been providing life-saving food assistance to those in need. In the month of March alone, 1.2 million people, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable host communities, were reached with food aid in the form of general food distribution rations, cash-based transfers, and nutrition programs for children under five and pregnant and nursing mothers. Despite challenges posed by insecurity, particularly due to Boko Haram activities, efforts are being made to reach as many people as possible. Some areas remain inaccessible, but innovative solutions such as helicopter services are being utilized to deliver assistance to those trapped in difficult-to-reach locations. The collaboration with the Nigerian government and other organizations is crucial in ensuring that aid reaches those in need. The WFP is targeting 1.8 million people for assistance before the end of the year, and while significant progress has been made, ongoing funding is vital to sustain these operations. Donations from countries like Japan, amounting to 3.5 million US dollars, have been instrumental in supporting the relief efforts. The widespread population displacement in the region, with approximately 1.9 million people displaced due to the insurgency, underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. Community engagement plays a key role in facilitating aid distribution, with programs tailored to address the specific needs of both displaced populations and vulnerable host communities. The collaboration between the WFP, its partners, and the Nigerian government aims to avert a full-blown food crisis in the short to medium term. By scaling up assistance and acting urgently, there is hope that the situation can be stabilized before the lean season exacerbates the challenges faced by the affected population. The limitations on farming activities due to insecurity have further heightened the food crisis, highlighting the necessity of continued support and security measures to enable farmers to access their land and livelihoods. While challenges persist, Mutinta Shimukashisehead remains optimistic about the collective efforts being made to alleviate the food crisis and prevent further escalation of famine in northern Nigeria.