OCHA Biweekly Media Analysis Report (27 January - 7 February 2025)

Key Media Narratives

Temporary suspension of US foreign assistance

The abrupt temporary suspension of US foreign assistance has caused significant disruptions across various sectors, with far-reaching consequences for vulnerable people, particularly in conflict-affected regions. In the health sector in Nigeria, tens of thousands of people now face the loss of access to essential services, including maternal and child healthcare, immunizations, and treatment for chronic diseases. The suspension has derailed ongoing efforts to combat infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.

(Hundreds Stranded as US Aid Suspension Shuts Healthcare Centres in Nigeria’s Conflict Areas) ( USAID shutdown triggers crisis for NGOs, healthcare workers across Africa).
The funding freeze has also disrupted education, food security, and livelihoods support programmes critical for vulnerable people. Humanitarian actors have reported that food assistance to internally displaced people (IDPs) in camps has been reduced, exacerbating hunger and malnutrition in regions already struggling with high levels of food insecurity. (US funding pause leaves millions ‘in jeopardy’, insist UN humanitarians ( The Global Implications of Trump's Foreign Aid Cuts).

Similarly, education programmes aimed at providing learning opportunities to children in crisis-affected areas have stalled, putting an entire generation at risk of losing access to formal education.

The suspension also poses significant risks to ongoing peacebuilding and governance programmes. Initiatives aimed at fostering community resilience, supporting democratic institutions, and addressing the root causes of instability have either slowed or come to a halt. This threatens to reverse progress made in mitigating conflict, increasing the likelihood of renewed violence and further displacement. To mitigate these cascading effects, stronger Government leadership, including in mobilising its own resources, alternative funding mechanisms and partnerships must be urgently explored.

(UN humanitarian arm to scale back work amid US funding crisis) (How the US foreign aid freeze is intensifying humanitarian crises across the globe) (How USAID shutdown will impact Nigeria).

Nigerian Government Response to USAID suspension

Nigerian authorities have launched a committee to develop a transition and sustainability plan for USAID-funded health programmes following U.S. President Donald Trump’s 90-day halt of foreign aid. The multi-ministerial committee aims to secure new financial support for critical health programs - Nigeria announces measures to soften impact of USAID programs' suspension.

The Federal Executive Council has approved $1 billion for reforms in the healthcare sector to strengthen the system's resilience and reduce dependence on external aid - FG Approves $1.07bn For Health Sector Reform.

An additional ₦4.8 billion (approximately $3.2 million*) has been allocated to procure 150,000 HIV treatment packs over the next four months, ensuring uninterrupted care for people living with HIV - FEC Approves N4.8bn for HIV Treatment Amid US Aid .
Launch of the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP)
Media reports (see selected links below) extensively covered the UN-coordinated US$910 million appeal to address the critical needs of 3.6 million vulnerable people across the BAY states. The focus remains on health, food security, water and sanitation hygiene (WASH) services, resilience-building, and proactive interventions such as anticipatory action.
Evidence-based advocacy, anticipatory action and sustained donor engagement and support to local organizations are essential to ensuring timely and effective response to humanitarian needs.

Child Malnutrition Crisis

Severe malnutrition continues to affect 3.7 million children in the north-east. Collaborative efforts between the Borno State Government and UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) aim to scale up the production of Tom Brown, a nutrient-dense food, to mitigate the crisis Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum (LCBGF)
The fifth edition of the forum, held in Maiduguri from 29 to 31 January underscored the importance of regional collaboration on security and development. It also stressed the need for cross-border cooperation and sustainable solutions for IDPs. The forum provides an opportunity for UNOCHA to integrate humanitarian priorities into regional stabilization strategies and advocate for durable solutions. ( 5th LCBGF Communique).

Insecurity in the North-east

Reports from the two-week period highlighted violence, abductions, and insurgent activities in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states. Incidents included the deaths of 27 Nigerian soldiers in a jihadist suicide attack ) on 24 January, intensified Boko Haram/ISWAP/JAS clashes, the deaths of two civilians due to planted explosive devices by terrorists in Borno, and the abduction of eight children in Taraba. Additionally, IDPs in Muna Kumburi camp,
Borno State, resorted to crowdfunding to pay ransom for abducted firewood gatherers. These incidents highlight the urgent need for enhanced protection of civilians.

Conclusion

The media narratives from 27 January – 7 February 2025, highlighted the unfolding impact of and response to the abrupt temporary suspension of US foreign assistance, as well insecurity and malnutrition. Addressing these issues requires new and strengthened partnerships, innovative funding strategies, and a holistic approach to humanitarian programming - led by Government - that integrates development and peacebuilding initiatives.

*Central Bank of Nigeria rate as of 10 February 2025