By DAYO ADESULU
UNICEF has raised alarm over a looming humanitarian crisis in Nigeria as a $160m funding shortfall threatens critical health, nutrition, education, and water projects. Learn how states are responding.
UNICEF Raises Alarm Over Humanitarian Crisis in Nigeria
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has sounded the alarm over an impending humanitarian crisis in Nigeria, citing a severe funding shortfall that could derail vital health, nutrition, education, and water projects across the country.
Speaking at the 2025 World Humanitarian Day commemoration in Maiduguri on Monday, Francis Butichi, UNICEF’s Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, disclosed that the organisation received only $95 million out of the required $255 million, leaving a massive $160 million gap (N240bn). This represents a 67% shortfall in funding.
“We are all aware of the global funding cut that has threatened humanitarian operations across the world. The impact is profoundly crushing at the local level, where conflict, climate change and disease outbreaks are recurrent,” Butichi warned.
Communities Already Feeling the Impact
Butichi explained that many communities in Nigeria’s North-East region are already grappling with the effects of flooding, insecurity, and shrinking services in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
He urged Nigerians to join in humanitarian efforts through donations, volunteering, and advocacy, stressing that “the needs are many.”
Despite financial constraints, UNICEF highlighted some successes:
- 1.3 million people reached with healthcare services.
- 340,000 children treated for severe malnutrition.
- 185,000 people provided with safe water.
- 500,000 displaced children enrolled in schools.
Northern States Brace for Impact
Several northern state governments have begun taking steps to cushion the effects of the looming funding crisis.
In Gombe State, Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Misilli, revealed that the government had anticipated the shortfall and already made special budgetary allocations to support vulnerable populations.
“Before the US policy of cutting USAID and other agencies’ funding, Gombe State had already taken proactive measures. We provided allocations for healthcare, education, human capital development and out-of-school children,” Misilli said.
In Kebbi State, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, emphasized that the state had paid its counterpart funding to UNICEF and other donor agencies.
“Even if UNICEF faces funding constraints, this administration will not relax,” he stressed.
Commitment from Sokoto and Jigawa
Officials in Sokoto State confirmed that Governor Ahmed Aliyu recently approved N500 million as counterpart funding for UNICEF projects. The administration also set aside extra funds to sustain service delivery in health, education, and humanitarian support.
In Jigawa State, however, concerns remain high. A senior health ministry official admitted that the funding gap could severely affect delivery of nutrition, immunisation, and water services.
“Many vulnerable residents depend on these services, especially with recurrent floods and displacement caused by climate and security issues,” the official explained. The state is intensifying vaccination campaigns, malnutrition treatment, and clean water supply through partnerships with civil society and volunteers.
A Call for Urgent Action
Butichi stressed that life-saving nutrition, immunisation, and protection services must not stop, urging the private sector, government, and donors to scale up support for frontline humanitarian services.
He noted that research, innovation, and partnerships remain essential to ensuring that no child is left behind despite economic and climate challenges.
Conclusion
The looming humanitarian crisis in Nigeria underscores the urgent need for international donors, local governments, and civil society organisations to rally together. With a funding gap of $160 million, millions of vulnerable Nigerians face the risk of losing access to life-saving services in health, education, water, and nutrition.
Without swift intervention, the impact could worsen an already fragile situation in conflict-affected and flood-prone regions.
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