Nigeria Faces Worsening Humanitarian Crisis – Sununu.
By Ferdinand Olise
The Minister of State, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Tanko Sununu has raised concerns over Nigeria’s worsening humanitarian crisis, stating that more than 3 million people remain internally displaced as a result of flooding, insecurity, and other natural disasters.
The Minister also warned that millions of citizens risk sliding deeper into hunger and malnutrition as global aid funding dwindles.
Speaking at the inauguration of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Flood Management and Response on Monday, the Minister said that the combined effects of natural disasters, insecurity, and shrinking donor support have created a critical humanitarian challenge for the country.
“Globally, humanitarian funding is shrinking, and Nigeria is not exempt. Just a few days ago, the World Food Programme suspended some of its activities, which had supported more than 1.2 million Nigerians with emergency transfers in the North-East. This leaves over 300,000 children at risk of malnutrition, while more than 200,000 are already receiving treatment.
“According to United Nations estimates cited by the minister, over 24.8 million Nigerians have suffered some form of hunger, while more than 3 million people remain internally displaced as a result of flooding, insecurity, and other natural disasters, he said.
According to the Minister, poverty remains unevenly spread across the country, with the North accounting for about 65 per cent of Nigeria’s poor population.
“Out of this 65 percent, more than 70 percent are smallholder farmers. Sadly, most of them have lost their farmlands and livelihoods to floods and droughts.
“In response to the crisis, the Federal Government is strengthening interventions through the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP). The minister disclosed that under the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), smallholder farmers have received interest-free loans of ₦300,000 each to help them recover from losses, the Minister stated.
He also explained that more than 5.9 million households; approximately 25 million Nigerians—have benefited from ₦419 billion in conditional cash transfers. The funds, he explained, are meant to cushion the impact of economic hardship and sustain vulnerable families.
“These efforts are part of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerians maintain dignity of life despite economic challenges,” the minister said. “With the support of the House of Representatives, we will continue to work to protect vulnerable households and restore livelihoods.”
He therefore commended the National Assembly for setting up a dedicated committee to oversee humanitarian interventions. He expressed optimism that the move would strengthen transparency and improve the delivery of aid to affected communities.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the newly constituted committee Rep. Maidala Balami, said flooding had become more than a seasonal occurrence, describing it as a national emergency that demands urgent, coordinated, and strategic action.
“Each year, lives are lost, properties destroyed, livelihoods disrupted, and the socio-economic fabric of entire communities severely affected.
The time for piecemeal approaches is over. What we need is a comprehensive national framework, one that encompasses prevention, early warning systems, emergency response, community resilience, infrastructure development, and climate adaptation strategies”, he said.
The Committee Chairman therefore urged all stakeholders including Civil Societies, private sector, and international partners, to join efforts in developing a sustainable national response to flooding and humanitarian emergencies.
“This inauguration is not just ceremonial, it is a clarion call to duty. We shall listen to affected communities, interface with experts, and ensure that our report provides a blueprint for lasting solutions,” he added.
He therefore pledged that the Committee will investigate root causes of flooding in the country, assess agency preparedness, engage stakeholders, and propose lasting measures to mitigate the impact of flooding across Nigeria.
Inaugurating the Committee, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by the Leader of the House, Prof. Julius Ihombvere, charged members to provide both immediate and long-term solutions to recurring flood crisis in the country.
According to him, flooding has in recent years inflicted devastating losses on Nigerian communities, destroying livelihoods, displacing families, and undermining development efforts.
“Flooding goes beyond being a mere environmental issue. It is an economic, social, and humanitarian challenge. Every year, thousands of families are displaced, farmlands are submerged, and critical infrastructure is washed away. These tragedies demand deliberate and well-coordinated responses”, he said
The Speaker stressed that the 10th House of Representatives remains committed to addressing matters that directly affect Nigerians, including natural disasters, noting that the duty of Lawmakers extends beyond lawmaking to anticipating challenges, strengthening institutions, and ensuring government responses meet the needs of citizens.
The Speaker tasked the Committee to identify gaps in Nigeria’s preparedness, and recommend a clear roadmap for national resilience against flooding.
“The House expects this committee to identify both the immediate and long-term measures required to prevent loss of lives and property, while recommending strategies that will move the nation from reactive to preventive measures.
“Flood management requires the concerted involvement of all relevant stakeholders. Only a holistic and coordinated approach will ensure a sustainable response,” he emphasized.
The Speaker urged the Committee to work closely with key agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Ministries of Environment, Water Resources, Health, Works, and Housing, as well as state and local governments. He also highlighted the role of the Nigerian Space Agency in providing satellite imagery for effective flood mapping.
He further directed the Committee to pay special attention to legislative gaps hindering effective flood management, and that where laws are weak, outdated, or insufficient, the House stands ready to strengthen the legal framework to better protect Nigerians.
