The European Union (EU) has expressed deep concern over the worsening malnutrition crisis in Northern Nigeria and pledged continued support to help the country combat the challenge.
Leader of a six-member delegation of the European Parliament, Mr. David MacAllister, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja during a press conference marking the end of the team’s three-day working visit to Nigeria.
MacAllister said the EU has committed nearly €50 million this year in humanitarian assistance to support affected communities, especially children, in the North-East and North-West regions. He, however, urged the federal, state, and local governments to urgently commit more resources to address the health crisis.
“We are deeply concerned and saddened by the malnutrition crisis, particularly in the north-east and north-west. The European Union stands with Nigeria and the affected populations with humanitarian support of nearly €50 million this year,” he said. “But a financial commitment from Nigeria’s federal and state governments is also urgently needed to face the crisis.”
He emphasized that the EU would continue to monitor the situation closely and deepen engagement with Nigeria, describing the country as a strategic partner in Africa.
“Nigeria matters to the European Union — as the most populous country on the continent and one of its largest economies,” MacAllister noted. “We hope Nigeria will play a leading role in strengthening EU-Africa relations, particularly at the forthcoming EU–AU Summit in Angola.”
The delegation also met with leaders of Nigeria’s National Assembly, commending the country’s democratic resilience while acknowledging existing governance challenges.
Speaking on the EU’s broader partnership with West Africa, the Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, said the Union’s engagement is driven by a shared interest in building a stable, prosperous, and democratic region.
“Our interest is to have a prosperous and democratic West Africa, especially in Nigeria — the main country in the region,” Mignot stated. “We need Nigeria to partner with us in defending shared values, managing natural resources, and strengthening trade and migration cooperation.”
On the malnutrition crisis, Ambassador Mignot disclosed that EU field teams are working with partners in states such as Katsina and Sokoto, where acute cases are being recorded.
“There are still many families arriving at health centres with children suffering from severe acute malnutrition — some of whom have died,” he said. “There is an urgent need to ensure steady supply of therapeutic food and to increase funding from both international and national donors.”
He commended some state governments for showing renewed commitment to tackling malnutrition but called for more coordinated efforts from all levels of government to prevent further loss of lives.
Mignot reaffirmed that EU cooperation with ECOWAS remains anchored on shared values of peace, integration, and good governance, adding that the EU will continue to provide technical and financial support to enhance regional stability and sustainable development.
