FG asks the UN to help secure $10 billion for humanitarian needs

The Federal Government has appealed to the United Nations (UN) and other international partners for assistance in accessing a proposed $10 billion humanitarian funding aimed at addressing Nigeria’s growing humanitarian and food security challenges. The appeal was made by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, during a high-level meeting with UN officials and development partners in Abuja.

Edu explained that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to mobilise global support and funding to tackle the multiple crises affecting millions of Nigerians, including displacement caused by insecurity, flooding, poverty, and rising food prices. She stated that the proposed $10 billion fund would be used to strengthen humanitarian response mechanisms, provide relief to vulnerable populations, and build long-term resilience across affected communities.

According to her, the Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, is collaborating with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and other key agencies to align its national response framework with global humanitarian standards. The initiative, she added, would focus on improving coordination, accountability, and impact of relief interventions.

“The Federal Government is working with the United Nations and other global development institutions to access the $10 billion humanitarian fund that will enable us to effectively respond to crises across Nigeria. We are committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and strategic deployment of resources to reach those in greatest need,” Edu said.

She highlighted that Nigeria currently faces one of the most complex humanitarian situations in Africa, with over seven million people internally displaced, particularly across the North-East and North-West regions. The minister also cited the impact of climate change, including floods and desertification, which have worsened food insecurity and forced thousands of families into extreme poverty.

Edu noted that the government’s strategy focuses on integrating humanitarian assistance with poverty alleviation programmes to achieve sustainable recovery. “Our goal is to transition from emergency relief to long-term development. We are empowering communities with livelihood support, improving access to education, healthcare, and promoting social inclusion,” she added.

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, who attended the meeting, commended the Federal Government’s proactive approach in seeking coordinated funding and global support for humanitarian interventions. He assured the minister of the UN’s continued partnership with Nigeria in scaling up aid delivery and enhancing capacity at the local level.

Fall also emphasized the need for improved collaboration between government agencies, international organisations, and civil society groups to ensure that the humanitarian response is inclusive, people-centered, and sustainable. “We will continue to work with Nigeria to ensure that humanitarian efforts are well-targeted and address both immediate and structural challenges,” he stated.

Similarly, representatives from the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF expressed readiness to partner with Nigeria in expanding social protection schemes, especially in conflict-affected states like Borno, Zamfara, and Niger. They noted that rising global food prices and supply disruptions have worsened the vulnerability of millions of Nigerians, particularly children and women.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) indicate that over 26 million Nigerians are at risk of acute food insecurity in 2025 if urgent interventions are not implemented. The proposed humanitarian funding is therefore expected to support food assistance, agricultural recovery, and nutrition initiatives nationwide.

Dr. Edu also disclosed that the government is working on creating a National Humanitarian Development Peace Nexus Framework, which would align humanitarian aid with national development plans and peacebuilding initiatives. She added that the framework will ensure that every humanitarian dollar contributes directly to rebuilding communities and strengthening local economies.

She further revealed that the Federal Government had begun discussions with the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and other international financial institutions to complement the UN-led humanitarian funding. According to her, part of the funds would be channelled toward rebuilding critical infrastructure, such as schools, health centres, and markets, destroyed by insurgency and natural disasters.

Edu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, stating that all humanitarian funds will be tracked and audited to ensure accountability. She noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is determined to reposition humanitarian response efforts to be more effective and community-driven.

“We are not only responding to crises but also building systems that prevent future emergencies. Our focus is on human dignity, empowerment, and sustainable recovery. The $10 billion humanitarian fund will help us reach millions of Nigerians who have been left behind,” the minister said.

In addition to mobilising international funding, Edu said the Federal Government will strengthen collaboration with state and local governments to ensure efficient coordination and delivery of humanitarian services. She added that partnerships with private sector actors, philanthropists, and non-governmental organisations would also be expanded to ensure inclusivity and shared responsibility.

Analysts have described the government’s move as a timely intervention given Nigeria’s deepening humanitarian challenges. Economic experts have warned that without immediate action, displacement, hunger, and poverty levels could worsen, threatening national stability.

They further urged the government to ensure that funds accessed through the UN framework are properly utilised to rebuild communities, improve agricultural production, and create livelihood opportunities for affected populations.

With the proposed $10 billion humanitarian fund, Nigeria aims to set a new benchmark for international cooperation in addressing large-scale human suffering while promoting resilience and recovery. The Federal Government believes that with sustained support from the UN and its partners, millions of vulnerable Nigerians will be lifted out of crisis and given renewed hope for a better future.