- Nigeria receives €1.1 million
The European Union has released €5.4 million in humanitarian aid to assist populations severely impacted by devastating floods across Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
According to a statement issued Monday, Nigeria is set to receive €1.1 million from the total funding.
The floods, which have affected over 4.4 million people across the six countries, have caused widespread destruction, including the collapse of homes, health facilities, schools, water systems, and sanitation infrastructure. Roads, agricultural land, and public services have also been heavily damaged.
The EU expressed concerns over the increased risk of waterborne diseases due to lack of access to clean water and sanitation services in affected areas.
“This funding will help our humanitarian partners provide urgent relief, including food, shelter, clean water, and sanitation, in the hardest-hit regions,” the EU statement read.
The distribution of funds is as follows: Chad €1 million, Niger €1.35 million, Nigeria €1.1 million, Mali €1 million, Cameroon €650,000, and Burkina Faso €300,000. This comes in addition to €232 million in humanitarian aid already provided to these countries in 2024.
The EU’s swift response builds on previous flood assistance efforts in Liberia, Guinea, Chad, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Mali, made possible through ongoing projects and contributions to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Disaster Response Emergency Fund.
Janez Lenarčič, EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, emphasized the unprecedented impact of this year’s floods. “Excessive rainfall has displaced millions and caused severe suffering across the Sahel and Lake Chad regions. We are using all available resources to ensure the most vulnerable receive much-needed relief,” he said.
Northern Nigeria, already grappling with food insecurity and conflict, has been particularly affected. The failure of a dam near Maiduguri worsened the situation, adding to the displacement of around 641,600 people across the country. More rainfall is expected, heightening concerns of an escalating cholera outbreak in the region.
