Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The European Union (EU) has come to Nigeria’s aid, allocating €1 million in emergency humanitarian funding to support the country’s efforts in managing the devastating impacts of ongoing floods and a cholera epidemic.
This vital assistance will enable humanitarian partners on the ground to deliver essential aid, including shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene services, and healthcare, to those most affected.
Out of the total funding, €500,000 has been earmarked for flood relief efforts in Kogi, Delta, and Anambra states, which have been severely affected by the October floods.
“These states remain at high risk as water levels remain elevated due to river flow and soil saturation. Over 78,000 people have been impacted, with thousands of homes damaged and crops destroyed, especially near the Niger and Benue River confluence,” the EU stated.
The funding will provide food, shelter, clean water, sanitation, and protection services to affected populations, as well as support anticipatory measures to mitigate the impact of potential future floods.
The EU is also directing €500,000 to combat the cholera epidemic, which has been exacerbated by flooding and poor sanitation in many regions.
“The hardest-hit areas include Borno and Yobe states in the North, where overcrowded displaced persons’ camps and unsafe water conditions have fueled the outbreak,” the EU noted.
The funding will strengthen Nigeria’s health system by supporting medical care, water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions, as well as aid in case detection, the establishment of cholera treatment centers, and vaccination campaigns.
Nigeria is currently grappling with twin crises — widespread flooding and a cholera outbreak — which have affected over 1.3 million people nationwide, posing severe risks to lives and livelihoods.
The EU’s latest allocation brings its total humanitarian funding for Nigeria in 2024 to €48.7 million, focusing primarily on regions affected by conflict, insecurity, and food crises.
