European Union Commits N900 Million to Combat Malnutrition in Nigeria

Strategic Insights -

The European Union has stepped in to address the escalating malnutrition crisis in northeastern and northwestern Nigeria with an emergency humanitarian assistance package of over N900 million. This funding will be channeled through the Nigeria Red Cross Society to support lifesaving interventions for children and mothers suffering from severe acute malnutrition. The region is grappling with worsening food insecurity due to conflict, displacement, and climate-related shocks, affecting millions of vulnerable populations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Union has committed over N900 million (approximately £500,000) in emergency humanitarian assistance to combat the malnutrition crisis in northeastern and northwestern Nigeria.
  • The funds will be channeled through the Nigeria Red Cross Society to support lifesaving interventions for 30,000 children in urgent need of care.
  • The intervention aims to benefit around 170,000 households across nine states: Adamawa, Benue, Borno, Katsina, Niger, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
  • The initiative will implement a multi-pronged approach combining community outreach, screening, and outpatient care for uncomplicated cases using ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF).
  • The European Union will also strengthen long-term community resilience with integrated support in water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and protection services.
  • Over 5.44 million children under five are acutely malnourished in the Northeast and Northwest regions, with 2 million projected to require urgent treatment for Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) between June and September 2025.

Statistics:

  • N900 million (approximately £500,000) committed by the European Union for emergency humanitarian assistance.
  • 30,000 children in urgent need of care.
  • 170,000 households across nine states to benefit from the intervention.
  • 5.44 million children under five severely malnourished in the Northeast and Northwest regions.
  • 2 million children projected to require urgent treatment for Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) between June and September 2025.

Sources:

  • European Union
  • Nigeria Red Cross Society
  • International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
  • Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF)