From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said a funding shortfall of $160 million (over N244.6 billion) this year is affecting humanitarian interventions in the North East states ravaged by insurgency.
UNICEF Chief of the Maiduguri Field Office, Mr. Francis Butichi, disclosed this yesterday in Maiduguri at a press conference to commemorate the 2025 World Humanitarian Day.
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He said the funding gap worsened following US withdrawal of aid land reduction in donors’ support. “Of the US$255 million needed for humanitarian operations in 2025, UNICEF received US$95 million, leaving a US$160 million gap, that is 67 percent.”
He said the shortfall affects critical services such as health, nutrition, education and protection for vulnerable children especially in conflict areas.
The field officer however commended Borno and Yobe state governments for showing commitments to the payment of counterpart funding particularly to support child nutrition.
He said this year’s theme: “Strengthening global solidarity and empowering local communities” is armed at urging governments, organisations and individuals to build a more united and inclusive humanitarian partnership especially in the conflict-affected northeast states.
He also called for increased funding by donor organisations and governments. He urged all to get involved in local humanitarian efforts either through donations, volunteering works or advocacy.
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