The European Union (EU) has firmly dismissed claims that it has slashed humanitarian assistance to Nigeria amid a worsening food and nutrition crisis, describing the allegations as inaccurate and misleading.
The EU Delegation to Nigeria issued a clarification following a press release published on 25 July by Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), which initially cited “massive cuts” by the EU and other international donors in their support for nutrition interventions across the country. However, the EU emphasized that the funding levels for humanitarian operations in Nigeria, specifically through the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), remain consistent with those of the previous year.
“In the first half of 2025, EU humanitarian support in Nigeria has been on par with the first half of 2024,” the Delegation stated. “We are also actively working to supplement this with additional top-ups, as has been the practice in previous years.” A significant share of this support, they noted, is directed at emergency nutrition, healthcare, and food assistance.
The EU welcomed the revised version of the MSF press release, which has now removed references to the EU regarding funding cuts. While reaffirming its support for MSF’s life-saving work—partly funded by the EU—in treating malnourished children and mothers, the Delegation stressed the importance of factual reporting, especially on matters affecting vulnerable populations.
This clarification comes on the heels of a field visit to Sokoto State by the EU Ambassador on 19–20 July, and a joint press conference held on 22 July with Nigeria’s Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. At the briefing, the EU reiterated its call for both international and domestic actors to scale up support in tackling the alarming nutrition emergency, especially in the North-West and North-East regions.
“The EU remains fully committed to its partnership with Nigeria and is upholding its financial obligations across all sectors of intervention,” the statement concluded.
