By Tobias Lengnan Dapam
The federal government and humanitarian partners are urgently appealing for $516
million to respond to the most critical needs of 2.5 million people in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) States in
north-east Nigeria this year.
Women and children make up 8 out of every 10 people in immediate need.
A statement issued on Thursday by Ann Weru: Head, Public information, OCHA Nigeria, said the appeal, through Nigeria’s 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP), comes amidst spiralling
needs in the BAY states due to a 16-year conflict whose impact has been compounded by widespread displacement, limited access to basic services, climate shocks, economic hardship, and shrinking livelihood opportunities.
“Humanitarian needs are dramatically worsening at a time when we are facing the steepest decline in international
funding for humanitarian operations,” said Mohamed Malick Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria. “Every day that funding gaps persist is a day that, yet another malnourished child is pushed closer to
preventable death.”
In 2026, around 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. Nearly 35 million Nigerians are also likely to face acute food insecurity during the 2026 lean season – 5.8 million of them in the BAY States.
The 2026 Nigeria HNRP also highlights a transition to nationally-led and resourced humanitarian action, with the
gradual phasing out of international support amid the global decline in humanitarian funding.
A successful transition will depend on a strong partnership between the Government and humanitarian community.
In his remarks, the Federal Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, reaffirmed the Government of Nigeria’s leadership and ownership of humanitarian coordination and response.
He said that ‘the Government would continue to provide policy direction, coordination leadership, and systems alignment ensuring that humanitarian efforts complement broader national reforms aimed at reducing poverty, strengthening human capital, and building resilient communities.”
In their messages, the Governors of the BAY states – Professor Babagana Zulum (Borno), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), and Mai Mala Buni (Yobe) reiterated their commitment to strengthened collaboration with humanitarian partners to deliver urgent assistance and advance durable solutions.
Funding to the 2025 HNRP ($282 million) was about half of what was received in 2024, resulting in a dramatic
drop in humanitarian assistance.
In 2026, additional resources, including more Government investment, are
urgently required to help provide lifesaving food, nutrition, healthcare, water, sanitation, and protection services.
Improved security is a prerequisite to reduce risks to civilians and create conditions for durable solutions in the
BAY States.
The Government called on partners to align support with national priorities and to sustain engagement during this
critical transition phase.
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