The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) received a contribution of over €11 million ($ 12 million) in 2024 from the European Union (EU) to help feed hungry families and provide support services in the conflict-affected northeast of Nigeria.
WFP said in Abuja that in a period of urgent need, the EU’s support enabled the provision of comprehensive food security support to people affected by the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria.
It added that the fund was used to provide life-saving food assistance and nutrition support to 1.4 million vulnerable people living in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states in the northeast region.
It stressed that the affected states continue to witness persistent conflict, climate shocks, high food prices and reduced household purchasing power continue to undermine people’s ability to feed themselves. It disclosed that the number of hungry people in the northeast is projected to rise to five million at the peak of this year’s lean season.
“The EU remains one of the largest contributors to WFP operations in Nigeria and we are very grateful for their support”, says David Stevenson, Country Director.
“We thank the EU, the Nigerian government authorities and all our other partners who work with us to reach the most vulnerable people in the northeast and provide them with life-saving food assistance,” he added.
It further noted that the EU’s contribution, channelled through the EU’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department (ECHO), also supported the provision of UN Humanitarian Air Services (UNHAS) to enhance humanitarian access in northeast Nigeria.
UNHAS, managed by WFP, provides the humanitarian community with vital common services to reach and operate in areas of humanitarian crisis in the region.
It expressed appreciation to partners such as the EU, UNHAS achieved remarkable results in 2024, transporting over 28,500 passengers and airlifting some 416 metric tons of humanitarian cargo.
UNHAS also chartered an additional helicopter and opened a new route (Maiduguri-Damaturu) to enhance access in the northeast. The EU provided €4.6 million to UNHAS, 20 per cent of total UNHAS contributions in 2024.
