The United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, has revealed that the UK’s humanitarian assistance, totaling over £38 million, has been instrumental in saving the lives of vulnerable individuals affected by conflict in North-East Nigeria. Cleverly made this announcement during a visit to the United Nations’ Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) in Abuja, where he engaged with UNHAS staff.
The dire situation in North-East Nigeria, a region grappling with protracted conflict and crisis within the Lake Chad Basin area, has prompted urgent calls for humanitarian intervention. The UN estimates that more than 8 million people in this region are in need of life-saving aid.
In response to these pressing challenges, the UK’s humanitarian aid has been strategically deployed in partnership with the Nigerian government and its people. The past year has witnessed the UK providing substantial financial support, amounting to £38 million, for addressing these urgent needs in North-East Nigeria. This funding is focused on protecting the affected population, bolstering their resilience amid ongoing crises, and averting the looming threat of famine in a region already grappling with severe food insecurity.
Cleverly’s visit to UNHAS, one of the UK’s humanitarian collaborators in Nigeria, offered firsthand insights from aid workers and government representatives actively engaged in crisis response. This included discussions on how the UK’s International Development assistance is effectively reaching those in need.
Accompanying Cleverly during his visit was Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, the Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development. This ministry is at the forefront of coordinating Nigeria’s humanitarian response efforts and aligning the contributions of various stakeholders.
Also present were key figures from the UN, including Matthias Schmale, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, as well as representatives from organizations like the UN World Food Programme, UNICEF, and ICRC. Their collective presence underscored the collaborative nature of the global response to North-East Nigeria’s humanitarian crisis.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly expressed his pride in the UK’s humanitarian collaboration in North-East Nigeria, highlighting the positive impact of the £38 million aid provided over the past year. He recognized the resilience demonstrated by vulnerable populations, especially women and girls, and reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting North-East Nigeria in realizing its potential.
Matthias Schmale, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, conveyed gratitude on behalf of the humanitarian community for the UK’s significant contribution. He stressed how this aid is offering countless individuals, particularly vulnerable women and children, a lifeline and a second chance amid dire circumstances. However, he also emphasized the ongoing funding challenges and the need for increased support to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, the Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, expressed eagerness to strengthen cooperation with the UK government. He highlighted the importance of coordination and welcomed the UK’s comprehensive approach, which extends beyond financial aid.
