The United States government has announced a $27 million humanitarian aid package for Nigeria to assist vulnerable populations and build resilience against food insecurity and climate change impacts.
The US Mission in Nigeria which stated this yesterday in Abuja said the funding was part of the U.S. government’s 536 million dollars humanitarian aid package to SubSaharan Africa.
The mission said the aid was officially unveiled by Uzra Zeya, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights.
It said: “The funding will be channelled to those in need through the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.
“It brings the total US humanitarian assistance to sub-Saharan Africa in Fiscal Year 2024 to nearly $3.7 billion. “The assistance aims to address the critical needs of vulnerable individuals across the sub-Saharan region.”
It added: “This includes refugees from war and terrorism violence, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, stateless individuals, and other conflict-affected people.
“It will focus on crises in the Sahel, among other areas, and support efforts to build durable solutions, such as voluntary returns and refugee integration.” The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, emphasised the impact of the new US funding.
Mills said the package underscored the U.S.’ commitment to providing life-saving assistance and protection to vulnerable people and host communities throughout the continent.
He said: “This assistance will make a real difference in the lives of those most in need in Nigeria and across the continent. “This $27 million in aid demonstrates the US’ unwavering commitment to supporting Nigeria in addressing humanitarian challenges.
“We stand with Nigeria in its efforts to provide for vulnerable populations and build resilience against food insecurity and climate change impacts.”