SAN FRANCISCO, April 15, (THEWILL) – The United Kingdom has pledged £32 million to the conditions of the estimated 7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance due to the conflict in North East Nigeria over the next three years.
UK Minister for International Development, Nick Hurd, who made the announcement in Abuja, said the funds will be channelled through the United Nations (UN), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other humanitarian organisations.
He added that the funds will be used to provide support for critical life-saving areas including nutrition, food security, water and sanitation, and protection of civilians affected by the conflict.
The UK will also provide the needed technical expertise to Nigeria to drive the programmes and ensure maximum benefit for its people.
“The UK is committed to continuing to help Nigeria to provide humanitarian assistance and protection for people affected by the conflict in north east Nigeria,” he said.
“We welcome Nigeria’s efforts to support the affected population. We look forward to continuing to work with all partners to strengthen the humanitarian effort to reach the most vulnerable, many of whom are in areas that are difficult to access.
“A sustained, large-scale Government-led response is needed to meet people’s basic needs and to help them to rebuild their lives once security conditions allow them to return to their places of origin.
“This new funding is in addition to more than £8.2 million provided by the UK since 2014 to help respond to the life-saving humanitarian needs of people affected by the conflict though violence, displacement, and loss of livelihoods.”
The UK’s overall £222 million / year programme in Nigeria improves health and education systems, addresses malnutrition, improves governance, removes the constraints to growth and helps Nigeria better target its own resources.
Story by David OPutah
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