The European Union (EU) has committed €510 million to Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African countries as part of a €1.9 billion humanitarian assistance package for 2025.
The announcement was made by the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management, Ms Hadja Lahbib, and reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday.
The funding is aimed at addressing the pressing humanitarian needs in regions such as West and Central Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, North-West Nigeria, and the Greater Horn of Africa. These areas are grappling with crises driven by ongoing conflict, poverty, and environmental challenges.
Lahbib emphasised the EU’s commitment to providing life-saving aid to vulnerable populations in these regions.
The EU’s €1.9 billion assistance also includes €470 million for the Middle East and North Africa, focusing on the dire humanitarian situations in Gaza and Yemen, as well as €140 million for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict. An additional €8 million will support humanitarian projects in Moldova.
Lahbib also highlighted the EU’s role as a leading global humanitarian donor, with over 300 million people expected to need aid in 2025.
She emphasised the importance of unimpeded access for humanitarian organisations and urged all parties in conflict zones to respect international humanitarian law to ensure effective aid delivery.
The funds will be distributed through various partners, including the UN, Red Cross/Red Crescent, local governments, and NGOs, aiming not only to provide immediate relief but also to foster long-term recovery in the most affected regions.
