ECHO Factsheet – Nigeria – April 2017
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Most populous African country with over 188 million inhabitants
1.9 million people displaced in Nigeria (IOM)
169 000 refugees in Niger, Chad and Cameroon (UNHCR)
Registered returnees: over 136 000 (UNHCR)
5.1 million people facing a food security crisis in northern Nigeria (OCHA, Humanitarian Response)
European Commission humanitarian aid: Over €124 million since 2014
2017 funding: €27.5 million, with planned increase by €32 million
Key messages
In seven years of conflict in north-eastern Nigeria, over 20 000 people have been killed and 1.8 million displaced. Many live in dire conditions in informal settlements and have not been able to farm.
Trade is stalled and prices have soared, all of which has worsened the difficult food and nutrition situation.The most urgent priority remains to address the significant food insecurity which is affecting thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs) in accessible and newly accessible areas as well as the alarming nutrition levels. Many health facilities have shut down and acutely malnourished children cannot access vital treatment.
The European Commission is providing immediate assistance to cover the basic needs of displaced, refugee and host families. Funds go to food distributions, to clinics providing lifesaving nutrition medical care, as well as to ensure access to water and sanitation, shelter and protection. They also contribute to increased access, through the Humanitarian Air Service, and to the coordination of humanitarian organisations.
More than €124 million of humanitarian aid has been allocated since 2014, complementing the assistance provided by the authorities. Given the immense need, much more humanitarian support is required quickly.
Access to newly accessible areas remains a major challenge due to their remoteness and the prevailing volatile security situation. The European Commission advocates for safe humanitarian access and an increased operational presence of humanitarian organisations on the ground so that more people in need can be reached.