Flood: UN ‘gravely concerned’ over impact on food security, malnutrition in Nigeria

The United Nations (UN) has expressed concern over the flooding in Nigeria, saying it will lead to negative ripple effects.

The floods have so far affected over 2.8 million Nigerians, with 600 people reported dead, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Commenting on the disaster on Thursday in New York, Stephane Dujarric, UN spokesperson, said food security could be worsened by the situation.

“We are gravely concerned that the flooding will worsen the already alarming food insecurity and malnutrition situation in Nigeria,” Dujarric said.

“More than 440,000 hectares of farmland have been partially or totally damaged at a time when more than 19 million people across Nigeria are facing severe food insecurity.”

The UN spokesperson said cereal production would likely decline by 3.4 percent compared to 2021 due to the flooding.

Dujarric said the flooding could drive up agriculture production costs and heighten insecurity in affected areas.

“Since July, national authorities in Nigeria have provided food, non-food items and clean drinking water to thousands of impacted households,” he said.

“We, along with our humanitarian partners are supporting the government with assessments and response, notably in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, as well as in other impacted parts of Nigeria.

“We have provided emergency shelter kits, and are working to create local water drains, sandbags, and walling around shelters to mitigate the impacts of the flooding.”