The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have approved a $1 million grant to help flood-hit communities in Northeastern Nigeria. The funds aim to ease a worsening humanitarian crisis caused by extreme weather and ongoing insecurity.
The aid targets Borno State, where last year’s floods displaced thousands and worsened food shortages. The region is already struggling with conflict, displacement, and economic hardship. WFP’s Country Director in Nigeria, David Stevenson, said the floods pushed many families into deeper crisis. Those who had started rebuilding their lives after years of violence were left in urgent need.
“AfDB’s support is timely and provides a vital lifeline for people struggling to find food amid rising prices and economic challenges,” Stevenson said in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. Many families faced food shortages before the floods, making immediate assistance crucial.
Food insecurity in Nigeria is expected to worsen. The Cadre Harmonisé, a biannual food security report covering 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory, predicts that nearly 33 million Nigerians could face severe shortages by August 2025. This highlights the need for sustained intervention to prevent a full-scale hunger crisis.
AfDB’s Director-General for Nigeria, Abdul Kamara, said the funding would ease suffering in affected communities. He praised the Nigerian government and WFP for their efforts in delivering aid under difficult conditions. He also stressed the need for joint efforts to tackle food insecurity and climate-related disasters.
Beyond short-term relief, the funding supports AfDB’s long-term plans for resilience and sustainability. The bank is restructuring key agricultural and climate programs in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. These include the Programme for Integrated Agricultural Development and the Inclusive Basic Service Delivery and Livelihood Empowerment Programme. The goal is to boost agricultural production, improve food security, and help communities withstand climate shocks.
By combining emergency aid with long-term solutions, AfDB aims to fight hunger and build a food-secure future for Nigeria’s most vulnerable people. The bank remains committed to working with local and international partners to address food crises and improve livelihoods across the region.