U.S. Pledges $32.5 Million to Ease Nigeria’s Worsening Food Crisis

The United States has committed $32.5 million in new humanitarian aid to Nigeria, in a bid to curb rising hunger across the Country.

The announcement, made by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), comes as millions of Nigerians struggle with food shortages driven by insecurity, climate disasters, and soaring inflation.

The funds will focus on emergency food distribution, child and maternal nutrition, and support for farmers struggling to recover from years of disrupted harvests.

Officials say the initiative aims not only to meet immediate needs but also to strengthen long-term food security in some of Nigeria’s most vulnerable regions, particularly the North-East and North-West.

Washington’s latest contribution builds on what U.S. diplomats described as “a consistent partnership” with Nigeria.

Over the last five years, American humanitarian assistance to the country has topped $1.2 billion, making the U.S. one of Nigeria’s largest aid donors.

The situation on the ground remains dire. According to the United Nations, 26 million Nigerians are at risk of acute hunger between late 2025 and early 2026, with children under five facing the greatest threat of malnutrition.

Aid groups warn that without expanded international support, the crisis could escalate further.

In a statement, a USAID spokesperson said: “This funding reflects America’s commitment to saving lives and giving hope to millions of Nigerians caught in a cycle of conflict and climate shocks.”

For struggling families, the intervention may provide temporary relief, but experts stress that lasting solutions will require stronger domestic policies to address insecurity, stabilize prices, and support local agriculture.

Source: Associated Press (AP), September 12, 2025