..Advocate shift to development and peace building
The United Nations Thursday advocated for a shift in solutions to addressing the humanitarian crisis in the North East of Nigeria.
The UN said development and peacebuilding efforts should be the general focus going forward and not humanitarian assistance that is gradually drying up.
The UN is currently in need of $910 million to assist 3.6 million Nigerians in the Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states who are in dare need of humanitarian support.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan at the UN House in Abuja, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall said the shift has become necessary as humanitarian assistance continues to shrink worldwide and efficiency is required in managing the funds available.
Fall said: Fall however noted that: “But humanitarian interventions are not the solutions for these problems across Nigeria. What is required is development and peacebuilding efforts, combined with humanitarian action, to address the underlying causes of these needs.
He said that there are humanitarian needs across Nigeria due to a diverse range of causes – from food insecurity to internal displacement due to intercommunal clashes, as well as climate change impacts among other risks, adding that: “In 2025, food insecurity across Nigeria is projected to affect over 33 million people during the lean season, with alarming levels of acute malnutrition threatening the lives of millions of children. These figures underscore the gravity of the challenges we face.”
“In Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, the 2025 HNRP aims to provide life-saving assistance to 3.6 million out of 7.8 million people requiring urgent assistance with a financial requirement of a little over US$ 900 million.The HNRP prioritizes women, children, and persons with disabilities, stressing that: “We cannot ignore the stark reality of declining global funding for humanitarian efforts.
“We have to become more efficient in terms of delivery of humanitarian action. We have to consider carefully who delivers what and how to make sure that scarce resources are put to the best possible use. This may include anticipatory action, acting before disaster strikes to mitigate the impact and directly funding the local partners who often ultimately deliver the assistance.
“Together, we must continue making a difference in the lives of affected people.
“I urge donors to close the funding gap and appeal to the private sector and the Government to play a more significant role in supporting humanitarian action.
“I also reaffirm the United Nations’ unwavering commitment to working hand in hand with the Nigerian Government, partners, and communities to alleviate suffering and reduce affected people’s vulnerability.”
Fall also revealed that in 2024, the Humanitarian Response Plan for north-east Nigeria “received 57 per cent in funding (about $527 million out of the total ask of almost $927 million) to respond to the critical needs of 4.4 million people out of 8.1 million people in need of life-saving humanitarian assistance“
Meanwhile, the federal government has approved a N4 billion allocation for conditional cash transfers to support vulnerable households across Nigeria.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwada made the revelation at the launch of the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) and outlined that the initiative aimed at addressing the nation’s growing humanitarian challenges.
He noted that the programme will assist at least 10 million displaced households, focusing on the most vulnerable members of society, adding that the cash transfers are scheduled to begin in February and run through April, targeting families affected by displacement, particularly in the Northeast.
Yilwada stated that: “We are prioritising women, especially widows, pregnant women, and those with disabilities. The experiences of displaced women, particularly those facing pregnancy or disability, are especially challenging. We understand these vulnerabilities and will continue to support those who are most in need.
“The President has approved the Ministry’s plan to begin paying conditional cash transfers to 10 million displaced households between February and April. This initiative aims to support those most in need, particularly vulnerable families affected by displacement.
“In addition to the cash transfer programme, the government has approved N2 billion for interest-free loans to farmers in rural areas to enhance food production and self-sufficiency.
“Additionally, the government has allocated N2 billion to provide interest-free loans to farmers in rural communities.”
Yilwada also noted that: “These loans will range from N300,000 to N400,000 per household, helping farmers access necessary resources and linking them to market opportunities.”
The Minister further highlighted additional relief measures to include: “A N4 billion provision has been approved to support vulnerable groups through cash transfers, targeting families affected by natural disasters and other crises. These interventions are part of the government’s broader strategy to alleviate poverty and provide relief to those in urgent need.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and affected communities nationwide.
Yilwada explained that the HNRP was developed through extensive consultations and designed to address the humanitarian needs of conflict-affected regions, including Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, promising that: “We are combining the efforts of humanitarian, developmental, and peacebuilding platforms to ensure long-term resilience and sustainable solutions for these communities.”
On her part, the Director General, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Zubaida Umar said the success of the 2025 HNRP is hinged on collaboration, synergy and a people-centred approach.
She also notes that it reflects a coordinated strategy to provide life-saving assistance and restore dignity to those affected by conflict and other humanitarian crises.
