Niger

Introduction

Niger continues to face a persistent and complex humanitarian crisis with serious consequences for civilian populations. This situation stems primarily from insecurity, especially in the border areas with Nigeria, Chad, Burkina Faso and Mali.

It is further exacerbated by extreme weather events and recurring epidemics. These factors compound already significant socio-economic vulnerabilities and chronic poverty, thus amplifying the impact of the crisis. Forced displacement, food and nutritional insecurity, flooding, and the resulting health emergencies are the main drivers of current humanitarian needs.

Facts & figures

Through its humanitarian efforts, the EU provides vital support to those most in need.

What are the needs?

3 million people need humanitarian assistance in Niger (more than 9% of the population), among the lowest-ranking countries on the United Nations Human Development Index (189^th out of 193 countries). 

During the 2026 lean season (June to August), around 2.4 million people are estimated to need emergency food assistance. 

Around 548,000 people across the country have been displaced due to violence, registering an 8% growth compared to last year. Additionally, over 436,000 refugees are hosted by Niger, having fled insecurity mostly from neighbouring Burkina Faso, Mali, and Nigeria.

Approximately 2.2 million children under the age of 5 will suffer from acute malnutrition during the year, including more than 415,000 expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition.

Malnutrition compromises the immediate survival of children, leads to irreversible growth delays, impairs cognitive development, and increases the risk of mortality. Since December 2025 more than 1,000 schools remained closed due to insecurity, with most of them in Tillabéri region. 

How are we helping?

In 2025 the EU was the leading humanitarian donor in Niger, providing emergency and life-saving aid to people in need. The assistance focuses on the regions in Niger most affected by conflict dynamics - Tillabéry, Tahoua, Diffa, and Maradi. Due to growing insecurity, in 2025 the region of Dosso was also included in the priority areas for humanitarian support.  

EU humanitarian funding supports populations affected by conflict, epidemics, widespread food shortages, and high undernourishment rates among children. It focuses primarily on covering basic needs, including:

The EU also provides protection to vulnerable people affected by:

• conflict (victims of gender-based violence, unaccompanied children, disabled people
• natural hazards floods or epidemics
• humanitarian air services

Humanitarian crises caused by conflict escalate rapidly. Through the rapid response mechanism, the EU supports organisations responding quickly to meet the basic needs of vulnerable people when they face specific shocks.

In addition, the EU works to strengthen the preparedness of communities and authorities facing:

• recurrent food and nutritional crises
• natural hazards
• population displacements

In light of the volatile security situation in Niger, the EU continues to advocate for a safe working environment for humanitarian workers, where respect for humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law provides the basis for the humanitarian agenda and response.