While the BAY states – Borno, Adamawa and Yobe – are experiencing humanitarian emergency crises such as food insecurity, climate shocks, and economic fluctuations, there have been funding cuts in this year’s humanitarian operations. As the 2025 lean season draws near, which is graded as information and communications technology (ICT) phases 3 and 4, there’s a high risk of flooding during this season
A multi-stakeholder response was held at the United Nations House in Abuja to seek $159.3 million to support about 2 million people in the three states and tackle the pipeline funding gaps. This is to guarantee good assistance and seed distribution, cash and voucher support, mobile and fixed health clinics, child support services and psychosocial support, and protection from Gender-Based Violence (GBV), as well as wash and hygiene. These actors are calling on the government, donors, agencies and the private sector to strengthen long-term investment and leadership coordination.
The BAY states are facing significant humanitarian challenges due to conflict, food insecurity, and economic instability, with millions in need of assistance.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mohamed Fall, while giving his remarks at the gathering, thanked friends of the United Nations for their commitments towards every journey and he press for spreading the message.
“With a bit of urgency, we resonate in this room across the board. As we speak, humanitarianism is under threat, and lack of resources is exposing lives at risk, and unfortunately many of those are children. We hope we can act fast and together, despite the challenges, and come together to save lives that are at risks,” he stated.
According to him, it is estimated that 4.6 million people will be affected. In Borno State, children under 5 are affected by acute illnesses.
“This is why today we are launching 109 million; the plan is drawn from the humanitarian plan launched last year. We will scrutinise every single dollar in a critical way and must not fail,” Fall added.
The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintri, said his state is facing escalating human needs and intercommunal disputes, and it has affected thousands of households and many children.
“A sharp decline in humanitarian service, health and nutrition – we must not allow gulf lives.” he said. “Adamawa is building resilience and hope and welcomes the 2025 lean season plan.”
The Yobe State Governor, who was represented by Goje Mohammed, said food insecurity drives up food prices and 1.4 million are affected by hunger and malnutrition in the state.
In a supporting statement from humanitarian partners, MSF Country Representative, Drimba Tirima, acknowledged that he was at the event to raise a warming.
“I’m here to sound an alarm,” he said. “We are facing unprecedented malnutrition in the northeast and have one of the largest MSF in the world with the health authorities. We have a sachet that efficiently tackles malnutrition, two sachets a day could be the difference between life and death.”
Chief of Field Services at the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said humanitarian and nutrition crisis can be prevented and mitigated – we are here, committed to safeguarding children.
According to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, 50,000 farmers were scheduled to benefit from the initial plan, but due to limited funds, it has been reduced to 30,000.
Every year, UNICEF signs its plans with the government to facilitate comprehensive interventions, monitor projects and get response through feedback mechanisms on delivery through community interaction, acknowledging the press as playing very significant role in urgency and what is at stake.