At least one million children in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states are at risk of severe acute malnutrition in 2025—double the number in 2024.
Over 600,000 of them could face life-threatening conditions within six months if urgent nutrition aid is not provided.
The warning comes as 4.6 million people in the region are projected to face serious food shortages during the June lean season, according to the latest Cadre Harmonisé report.
In response, the Federal Government and the UN on Tuesday launched a $159 million plan to provide food, healthcare and nutrition support to 2 million of the most affected people in the three states.
“This plan is a promise that no child should go to bed hungry,” said Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
UN Coordinator Mohamed Fall added that funding gaps are putting children’s lives at risk.
The BAY states have faced a humanitarian crisis for 15 years, worsened by conflict, economic hardship and climate shocks.
