The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with humanitarian partners, has launched an urgent appeal for $516 million to meet the most critical needs of 2.5 million people across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states in north-east Nigeria in 2026.
Women and children account for eight out of every ten people requiring immediate assistance.
The appeal, contained in Nigeria’s 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, comes against the backdrop of escalating humanitarian needs in the BAY states, driven by a 16-year conflict compounded by mass displacement, poor access to basic services, climate-related shocks, economic pressures, and dwindling 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 United Nations 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, an estimated 3 million children under the age of five across Nigeria are expected to suffer from life-threatening severe acute malnutrition, with about 1 million of them residing in the BAY states.
In addition, nearly 35 million Nigerians are projected to experience acute food insecurity during the 2026 lean season, including 5.8 million people in the conflict-affected north-east.
The 2026 Nigeria HNRP also underscores a gradual shift toward nationally led and funded humanitarian responses, as international support declines amid global funding constraints.
The plan notes that the success of this transition will rely heavily on strong collaboration between the Federal Government and the humanitarian community.
Speaking on the initiative, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s leadership and ownership of humanitarian coordination and response efforts.
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 separate messages, the governors of the BAY states—Professor Babagana Zulum of Borno, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa, and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe—reiterated their commitment to closer collaboration with humanitarian partners to deliver urgent assistance and promote durable solutions.
Funding for the 2025 HNRP stood at $282 million, representing about half of the amount received in 2024, a shortfall that led to a significant reduction in humanitarian assistance. For 2026, the plan notes that increased funding, including higher government investment, is urgently needed to deliver lifesaving food, nutrition, healthcare, water, sanitation and protection services. It also emphasizes that improved security remains critical to reducing risks to civilians and enabling lasting solutions in the BAY states.
The Federal Government has called on development and humanitarian partners to align their support with national priorities and to maintain engagement throughout this crucial transition period.
