The Federal Government of Nigeria has welcomed a generous commitment of €1.5 million from the European Union to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the Yelwata crisis in Benue State and to bolster efforts in addressing the worsening nutrition emergency in the North-West and North-East regions.
This was revealed by the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, during a joint press conference with the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Gautier Mignot.
According to Prof. Yilwatda, the EU’s support includes €500,000 from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations for rapid response, and an additional €1 million under the SIDPIN project aimed at providing durable solutions. These interventions will be carried out in collaboration with leading humanitarian partners including UNHCR, IOM Nigeria, UN-Habitat, and UNICEF Nigeria.
“We are mobilizing collective action to confront the alarming levels of malnutrition affecting children under five and lactating mothers across vulnerable communities,” Yilwatda stated.
He emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to “leave no one behind,” especially in the face of deepening food insecurity.
To ensure efficient implementation, the minister announced the formation of a joint task force with the EU and key partners to coordinate emergency interventions, streamline supply chains, and improve response time.
He further disclosed that he and Ambassador Mignot visited Sokoto State last weekend to assess the condition of nutrition stabilization centers operated by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Action Against Hunger (ACF), and UNICEF.
Prof. Yilwatda expressed deep appreciation to all humanitarian partners for their tireless and lifesaving efforts in some of Nigeria’s most vulnerable regions.
“This support is a significant boost to our national response and a clear demonstration of solidarity from the European Union in tackling humanitarian challenges,” he said.
The funding will help cushion the impact of displacement and food crises and ensure that affected populations, particularly women and children, receive critical care and support.
