By Sabiu Abdullahi
The United States government has announced a significant humanitarian aid package for Nigeria, providing $27 million to support vulnerable populations affected by food insecurity and climate change.
This funding is part of a larger $536 million aid package for Sub-Saharan Africa, unveiled by Uzra Zeya, US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights.
The aid will be distributed through the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, and brings the total US humanitarian assistance to the region in Fiscal Year 2024 to nearly $3.7 billion.
The assistance aims to address the critical needs of vulnerable individuals, including refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons, with a focus on crises in the Sahel region and support for durable solutions such as voluntary returns and refugee integration.
The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, highlighted the importance of this funding, stating that it demonstrates the US’ commitment to providing life-saving assistance and protection to vulnerable people and host communities.
“This aid will make a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need in Nigeria and across the continent,” Ambassador Mills said. “We stand with Nigeria in its efforts to address humanitarian challenges and build resilience against food insecurity and climate change impacts.