The United Nations’ Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has released an additional $5 million to boost the flood response in Nigeria, focusing on the most severely affected states—Borno, Bauchi, and Sokoto. This support aims to address urgent humanitarian needs following the devastating floods at the height of the rainy season, which have impacted lives, livelihoods, and food security.
The flooding, which has claimed over 300 lives and affected more than 1.2 million people across 31 states, has left widespread destruction. The National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) reports extensive damage to thousands of hectares of cropland, jeopardizing upcoming harvests.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, described the situation as a “crisis within a crisis,” emphasizing that millions of Nigerians were already struggling with food insecurity before the floods. The disaster has only worsened their plight.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), CERF funds will support 280,000 people in the three states by providing food, clean water, sanitation, shelter, and healthcare services, including measures to prevent waterborne diseases such as cholera. Additionally, cash assistance programs will be implemented to help flood victims regain livelihoods.
The funds will also enhance protection services, particularly for women, girls, and people living with disabilities, and tackle gender-based violence (GBV). However, UN officials stress that the current funding is insufficient to meet the overwhelming needs, calling for immediate additional support from donors and development partners as the response transitions from emergency relief to recovery.
This new allocation complements $6 million from the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund (NHF), already earmarked for flood-hit regions in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, where food insecurity and malnutrition are critical concerns.
