The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $1 million grant from its Special Relief Fund to provide emergency food aid for flood-affected communities in Northeastern Nigeria.
The intervention, in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP), aims to ease the growing humanitarian crisis triggered by severe flooding in Borno State. The September 2024 floods have worsened food insecurity in the region, which is already grappling with conflict, displacement, and economic hardship.
WFP's Country Director in Nigeria, David Stevenson, confirmed the development on Thursday in Maiduguri, emphasizing that the flooding had displaced families who were beginning to rebuild their lives after years of violence.
"AfDB's support is timely and serves as a lifeline for those struggling to feed themselves amid rising food prices and economic instability," Stevenson said.
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According to the Cadre Harmonisé food security analysis, an estimated 33 million Nigerians could face food insecurity by August 2025.
AfDB's Director-General for Nigeria, Abdul Kamara, expressed optimism that the grant would help alleviate the suffering of vulnerable communities. He commended the Nigerian government and WFP for their dedication to delivering aid under difficult conditions.
He noted that the funding aligns with AfDB's broader efforts to support climate adaptation and agricultural development in the region, complementing existing programs such as the Programme for Integrated Agricultural Development, Adaptation to Climate Change (PIDACC) and the Inclusive Basic Service Delivery and Livelihood Empowerment Programme in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
"As part of the Borno State Development Plan, WFP delivers food and nutrition assistance to one million people in the state every month," Kamara added.
Beyond food aid, WFP also trains healthcare workers to screen and manage acute malnutrition among women and children while promoting essential maternal and child nutrition practices.
With food security deteriorating in the Northeast, the AfDB's emergency intervention is expected to provide much-needed relief to thousands of affected families.
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