Thailand steps in with rice as hunger crisis deepens in Northeast

The Kingdom of Thailand has donated 12 metric tonnes of Thai long-grain rice to support humanitarian efforts in northeast Nigeria, where millions of people continue to face acute food insecurity as a result of prolonged conflict, displacement, and economic hardship.

The donation was formally handed over to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Nigeria during a ceremony held on Thursday at the agency’s country office, underscoring growing cooperation between Thailand, Nigeria, and the WFP in addressing hunger and supporting vulnerable populations.

The contribution comes at a critical time for humanitarian operations in Nigeria.

According to the WFP, more than 35 million people across the country are experiencing acute food insecurity, while over six million people in the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe are currently facing crisis-level or worse food insecurity during the ongoing lean season.

Humanitarian agencies have also been grappling with shrinking global funding and declining donor support, limiting the scale of assistance available to affected populations.

Thirapath Mongkolnavin, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Nigeria, said Thailand had been closely monitoring developments in the BAY states and recognised the severity of the humanitarian crisis affecting hundreds of thousands of people in northeastern Nigeria.

“In response to this crisis, Thailand is pleased to announce a contribution of Thai rice valued at US$22,000 to the World Food Programme to help support communities affected by food insecurity,” the ambassador said.

He revealed that the Royal Thai Government had earlier provided financial assistance of US$10,000 through the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund managed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to support humanitarian efforts in the BAY states.

Mongkolnavin expressed hope that the rice donation would provide relief to vulnerable communities and reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to supporting long-term food security efforts.

“As one of the world’s leading rice-producing countries, Thailand sincerely hopes that this contribution will help bring relief and support to vulnerable communities during this difficult time,” he said.

He also said Thailand was prepared to share its knowledge, experience and expertise in rice cultivation with Nigeria to support sustainable food security and agricultural development.

The ambassador commended the WFP for its role in delivering humanitarian assistance and acknowledged the efforts of aid workers involved in reaching vulnerable populations.

On his part, Édouard Thiam,  WFP Deputy Country Director, expressed appreciation to the Kingdom of Thailand for the donation, describing it as a significant contribution at a time when humanitarian resources are under pressure.

“On behalf of WFP, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Kingdom of Thailand for this generous donation of 12 metric tonnes of rice,” he said.

Thiam noted that six million people in northeast Nigeria are currently suffering from acute food insecurity and stressed the need for the humanitarian community to remain committed to delivering assistance despite funding challenges.

“This contribution reflects the strong and growing partnership between Thailand, Nigeria, and WFP in our common fight against hunger,” he said.

He added that the inclusion of rice in food assistance packages improves both the quality and cultural relevance of support provided to beneficiaries.

According to him, the donated rice will directly benefit some of the most vulnerable communities in northeast Nigeria, particularly new arrivals in internally displaced persons camps where food insecurity remains severe.

Thiam said the WFP would continue working alongside the Nigerian government, Thailand, and other international partners to deliver life-saving support.

He disclosed that the WFP plans to provide food and nutrition assistance to more than 700,000 vulnerable people in northern Nigeria in 2026, although this figure represents only half of the number assisted in 2025 due to funding constraints.

“As we celebrate this meaningful partnership, I will also call on other donors and partners to join our scale-up support. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind in this fight against hunger,” he said.

The WFP also said insecurity, including insurgency, kidnapping and banditry, continues to limit livelihood opportunities for affected populations, worsening food insecurity in many communities.

The situation has been compounded by environmental challenges such as floods and dry spells, as well as rising agricultural production costs.

The agency noted that fuel prices have risen by more than 60 per cent since February due to the ongoing crises in the Middle East, while diesel prices have nearly doubled in some parts of Nigeria.

Fertiliser costs have also increased significantly, driving up transportation expenses and food prices and forcing many households to reduce food consumption.

WFP said it requires $140 million over the next six months to sustain its operations in Nigeria.

Also speaking, Bernard Doro, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, represented by Olubunmi Olusanya, Permanent Secretary of the  Ministry, thanked the Government and people of Thailand for what he described as a generous contribution.

“This donation reflects the spirit of international solidarity, compassion and shared responsibility in addressing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable populations,” he said.

Doro also praised the WFP for its continued efforts in combating hunger and improving food security across Nigeria, particularly among communities affected by poverty, displacement and other humanitarian challenges.

According to him, the donation aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen social protection systems, enhance food security and improve the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.

He called for stronger partnerships to advance sustainable development and reduce poverty while urging more international partners to support humanitarian interventions in the country.

“We need as much assistance as possible to reach all the vulnerable populations in the country,” he said.

The Minister further expressed hope that Thailand’s support would continue beyond the current donation.

The WFP said the donation highlights the importance of international solidarity in addressing one of Nigeria’s most pressing humanitarian challenges and demonstrates a shared commitment to ending hunger and supporting vulnerable communities in northeast Nigeria.

According to the agency, contributions such as Thailand’s donation are critical to sustaining humanitarian assistance in high-need areas as millions of Nigerians continue to struggle with food insecurity.