The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has reported a substantial reduction in funding for its operations in Nigeria, coinciding with an escalating humanitarian crisis.
The IRC’s 2025 Annual Report highlights the challenges faced by the organization in delivering life-saving services and sustainable recovery efforts amidst a complex interplay of factors exacerbating the situation. This reduction comes at a time when Nigeria is dealing with a range of challenges, including food insecurity, economic instability, and ongoing conflict in certain regions.
The United Nations Nigeria Annual Results Report for 2025 highlights strategic priorities aimed at supporting national development and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, emphasizing prosperity, planet, people, and peace. Despite these priorities, the IRC’s report underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to address food insecurity, particularly in regions like Borno State.
The World Food Programme estimates that up to 34. 7 million people could face acute food insecurity during the 2026 lean season in Nigeria without targeted interventions. This figure underscores the severity of the crisis and the immediate need for action.
The Nigerian government has introduced the “Back to the Farm “initiative to tackle food insecurity, aiming to reduce inflation, curb foreign exchange spending on food imports, insulate the country from global shocks, and restore productivity in key food basket regions.
The IRC has organized townhall meetings in various states, including Katsina, to review the impact of its humanitarian interventions and to strengthen collaboration with the state’s development and humanitarian priorities.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched the Nigeria Food and Agriculture Policy Monitoring Review ahead of the country’s new National Agricultural Investment Plan, aiming to guide policymaking and inform investment planning.
The IRC’s 2025 Annual Report serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria.
The reduction in funding, combined with the complex interplay of factors exacerbating the crisis, demands immediate and targeted interventions.
As the country grapples with food insecurity, economic instability, and ongoing conflict, the urgency to address these challenges cannot be overstated.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: International Rescue Committee
