In a decisive move to address the escalating malnutrition crisis in Nigeria’s northeastern and northwestern regions, the European Union (EU) has announced a humanitarian aid package of €500,000 (over N900 million). The funding will provide lifesaving nutrition assistance to thousands of children and mothers battling severe acute malnutrition in some of the country’s most vulnerable communities.
The emergency intervention, which will be implemented by the Nigeria Red Cross Society, aims to reach around 170,000 at-risk households across nine states: Adamawa, Benue, Borno, Katsina, Niger, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
Over 30,000 Children Targeted for Immediate Lifesaving Treatment
According to the EU, the funding will directly support nutrition programs for over 30,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Community outreach campaigns, nutrition screenings, and outpatient care services will be provided, using ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) for uncomplicated cases. Severe cases requiring specialized care will be referred to health facilities in line with Nigeria’s national health protocols.
The intervention also prioritizes strengthening health and nutrition services, while promoting long-term resilience among affected families through improved access to water, sanitation, hygiene, and protection services.
Malnutrition Crisis Worsens Amid Conflict, Displacement, and Climate Shocks
The malnutrition emergency in Nigeria’s Northeast and Northwest remains one of the gravest in West Africa. Recent data indicates that approximately 5.44 million children under five are acutely malnourished, with two million projected to require urgent lifesaving treatment during the peak lean season from June to September 2025.
This worsening crisis is fueled by persistent conflict, growing insecurity, mass displacement, and loss of livelihoods. These factors, compounded by economic hardship, climate-related disasters such as flooding, and poor maternal and child feeding practices, continue to deny vulnerable families access to essential nutrition and healthcare services.
Part of EU’s Broader Global Humanitarian Commitment
The EU’s latest funding is part of its longstanding support for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) through the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF). The European Commission has committed a total of €12 million under a humanitarian delegation agreement with the IFRC, aimed at swiftly responding to small and medium-scale emergencies worldwide.
Since its establishment in 1979, the DREF has served as a critical financial tool enabling national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies to quickly access funds for immediate disaster response.
About the European Union’s Humanitarian Efforts
The European Union and its Member States collectively remain the world’s largest donors of humanitarian assistance. Through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), the EU supports millions of disaster and conflict victims every year, guided by the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.
With a network of field offices globally and a central coordination hub in Brussels, the EU ensures rapid, needs-based relief for the world’s most vulnerable populations.
For more updates on the EU’s humanitarian operations in Nigeria and beyond, visit the official DG ECHO website or follow them on Twitter and Facebook.
